Our social workers support patients, families, and communities, working alongside service users to help them navigate a wide range of challenges.
Within cancer services such as St Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network (SLRON), our social workers play a key role in supporting patients and their families. They help people cope with the practical, emotional, and social impact of a cancer diagnosis, offering guidance and support throughout the journey.
Each consultant team in SLRON has a dedicated social worker, ensuring patients have consistent access to support. A specialist social work service is also available for paediatric patients and their families.
Patients and families can be referred to a social worker by a healthcare professional, or they can choose to self-refer. Social workers support both inpatients and outpatients and often continue providing care even after treatment has finished.
Our social workers can:
- Provide counselling and emotional support for you and your family
- Offer guidance on how to talk to children or grandchildren about a diagnosis
- Support discharge planning, organise family meetings, and connect you with community services
- Assist with advocacy and provide information on entitlements such as medical cards, housing, and social welfare
- Help protect and support vulnerable adults and children who may be at risk