Medical Social Worker
As defined by the International Federation of Social Workers (2014), “Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities are central to social work.”
Since 2012, our Medical Social Work Department has worked with patients and their families to address challenges in coping with emotional, psychological, social and care problems. Medical Social Workers (MSWs) at PJSC are experienced, qualified professionals who work across the hospital to provide patient-centred, solution-focused crisis interventions that cater to various needs. Our MSWs work in all areas of PJSC including The Brunei Neurostroke, Rehabilitation and Science Centre (BNSRC), The Brunei Cancer Centre (TBCC) and Maxillofacial, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Centre (MFPRSC). As a multi-disciplinary team member, our MSWs collaborate with the healthcare team and community resources to provide patients and their families with holistic care. Our medical social work assistant (MSWA) provides support to MSWs in delivering psychosocial care to our patients.
Our Role
At PJSC, looking at all aspects of your health is our ultimate concern. We understand that a new diagnosis, illness or hospitalization can be stressful and life altering. During this time where patients and families may undergo different transitions and new challenges, we seek to support you. We assist in both emotional and practical support by helping patients find their strengths, resources and avenues to achieve their needs in the community around them. Some patients we may help include individuals coping with financial issues, carer concerns, family conflict, mental health issues, domestic abuse and many others.
Our Services
- Interview. We introduce Medical Social Worker (MSW) roles and establish working relationships with the patient and family.
- Assessment. We obtain necessary information from the patient and family to understand the types of support and/or assistance needed.
- Problem solving. We identify/explore issues and needs together with patients and their families
- Family meetings. Facilitating meetings between family members and the healthcare team to relay essential medical, physical or psychosocial information about patient’s condition.
- Equipment loan. Given that medical equipment can be costly and may require time to purchase, MSW can temporarily loan equipment donated by the public (wakaf), subject to availability and eligibility.
- Carer arrangement. Ensuring that patients who need care at home have an available carer, whether it is a family member, friend or hired caregiver.
- Discharge destination. Working with families and the MDT to ensure there is a safe and appropriate home for patient to return to upon discharge. A home visit is often conducted by MSW to ensure patient’s safety.
We refer patients and their families to both Government & Non-Government Agencies based on relevant needs.
- Financial assistance. Patients experiencing financial burden to afford or meet their required needs are referred by MSW to these agencies. Reason of referral can include financial assistance for milk powder, adult diapers, medical equipment and housing. Collecting information from patients, families and MDT are essential to this process.
- Support letter. For patients and families that require advocacy through a supporting letter to relevant bodies. For example, letter to employers to allow families to attend carer training or letter to hire a caregiver from overseas.
- Conflict mediation. Aiding in the resolve of conflict between patient’s family members or with the healthcare team where necessary.
- Grief and Loss. Supporting individuals through their experience of grief and loss as a result of illness or new diagnosis.
- Adjustment counselling. Helping patients/families cope and adjust with new changes in their life.
- Domestic violence. Empowering patients experiencing domestic violence to look for the right resources or avenues that can aid in reporting and recovering.
Get Involved
- Donate In-Kind (Wakaf). We accept donations from the public in the form of medical equipment, milk powder and diapers to be distributed to financially burdened patients.
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Donation Drive. Every year, PJSC hosts a donation drive in conjunction with the month of Ramadhan for patients in need, as identified by the MSW department. To get involved, we invite members of the public to volunteer for distributing food rations across the four districts.
- Student Internship/Placement. Our MSW department encourages learning and peer support through work experience. We welcome students interested in the field of social work or currently pursuing higher study in social work. We offer the opportunity to gain insight into the clinical practice of social workers, developing skills in social work intervention with individuals, families, and groups.
- NGO Collaboration. We understand that there can be limited or unknown resources within a community that can disadvantage patients and their families in their time of need. To work through this, we believe in the benefits of collaborating with Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) that understand the community at its root source.
Contact Us
Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre
Jerudong BG 3122
Negara Brunei Darussalam
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm (+8 GMT)
msw.pjsc@pjscbrunei.com
2613333 ext. 1175 | +673 8952959
