Keeping hospital social work thriving, through and beyond the pandemic

Hospital social work is one of the most exciting and fast-paced jobs out there and undoubtedly has a positive impact on the people we work alongside. The pandemic has propelled it into the spotlight, through the nationwide implementation, at pace, of discharge-to-assess models. But what does that mean for social work practice? In Somerset, we have reconfigured our services to support discharge to assess, but, recognising the value of social work in hospitals, we have kept a small team to support people on the wards.

Attend this session to:

• Better understand what hospital social workers do and the role they play in promoting anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice.
• Hear our top tips for working with health colleagues and promoting your social work values.
• Learn about the impact the discharge to assess model has had on the people we work alongside.
• Get your head around the new national hospital discharge guidance and how this fits in with the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act.

Vanessa Hodge, principal social worker for adults, Somerset County Council

Anna Littlewood, deputy director, adult and health operations, Somerset County Council