Medical Social Services aims to serve patients, their families and the community in a holistic, patient-centric and integrated manner with a view to ensure the psycho-social well-being of residents in the west. We aim to pioneer new and cost-effective intervention programmes and services to support patients and their families who may have difficulties in coping with emotional, psycho-social, financial and care problems arising from ill health and traumatic injuries.
As members of a multi-disciplinary team, Medical Social Workers (MSWs) collaborate with the healthcare team and community resources to provide patients and their families with comprehensive care. Our social work coordinators also provide support to MSWs in delivering psycho-social care to our patients.
We also conduct social work related training for health care and social work professionals such as Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).
All MSWs are required to be accredited with the Singapore Association of Social Workers (SASW). We abide by the social work code of ethics and are governed by the guidelines stipulated by the Association.
The Medical Social Services team delivers the following services:
Care & Discharge Planning
MSWs assist patients in making a smooth and seamless transition from the hospital back into the community, through the development of a plan that includes ongoing maintenance, continuity of care and efficient use of hospital and community resources.
The process can involve:
Case Work & Counselling
MSWs provide counselling and psychotherapy for both patients and caregivers. Counselling is available for individuals who are experiencing difficulties in adjusting to illness, disability, and treatment leading to anxiety, emotional distress, grief and loss issues, as well as personal and family problems.
MSWs also link patients to external resources such as Family Service Centres to ensure continued support even after their discharge.
Financial Assistance
Medical treatment costs are common concerns among many patients. In addition to formal assistance schemes such as Medifund, we point needy and eligible patients to external resources that can help cover their treatment costs and other practical needs arising from their illnesses.
Risk Assessment
MSWs also conduct risk assessments for patients to ascertain potential safety issues after a patient’s discharge. Referrals can be made in situations whereby the patient has been admitted as a result of a suicide attempt or domestic violence. Through the assessment, MSWs will not only provide emotional support but will also work with the patient and the hospital team to develop safety plans for these patients.
For suicide cases, all MSWs attending to patients are trained in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) from LivingWorks (Calgary, Canada).
Psychological Trauma Support
Patients admitted as a result of traffic accidents and other traumatic injuries are often exposed to psychological trauma. Our MSWs aim to provide support to these patients and their families to help them cope more effectively. MSWs are trained as CARE (Caring Action in Response to an Emergency) officers to provide Critical Incident Stress Management (Individual and Group) for people affected by critical incidents or national disasters.
Support Groups
Dealing with the onset of an illness is never an easy experience for patients and their families. MSWs organise and facilitate support groups, whereby patients or their families can share their concerns in a supportive environment and meet individuals who share similar experiences.
Mon - Fri: 8.30am to 5:30pm
Sat: 8.30am to 12.30pm
Sun & PH: Closed
Ng Teng Fong General Hospital
Tower A - Specialist Outpatient Clinics
Level 2
Mon - Fri: 8.30am to 5:30pm
Sat, Sun & PH: Closed
Jurong Community Hospital
Tower C – Community Hospital
Level 1
