In a life threatening emergency dial Triple Zero (000)

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We are an inpatient social work service that supports people over 80 years old with a sudden or age-related illness.

About this service

We offer you and your family and carers support around sudden illness and the changes that happen with aging. We also support you to figure out what you need when leaving hospital.

Our services include:

  • supporting you to identify issues and risks and get a plan in place
  • counselling support for you and your family or carer around reactions to illness, disability, loss and grief, relationship stress and mental health issues
  • helping you with information and advocacy for practical matters such as accommodation, transport, income and financial pressures and community services
  • supporting you throughout your hospital stay and communicating your needs
  • providing referrals that help to connect you with services and supports both within the health system and the community.

Who we care for

Our services are available for inpatients of Canberra Hospital on wards 11a and 11b and their family and/or carers.

We offer these services free if you have a Medicare card or an Asylum Seeker Card.

How to access this service

If you, or your loved one, is a patient on wards 11a or 11b at Canberra Hospital, please let one of the ward staff know if you would like to see a social worker.

The ward social worker will then make time to see you on the ward.

Otherwise, you can call the Social Work Department on (02) 5214 4134 between 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday.

What to expect

A Social Worker will see you whilst you are an inpatient at Canberra Hospital.

Should you require ongoing Social Work support after discharge, we will refer you to the Community Social Work team.

Where we’re located

Ward 11a and 11b, Building 2, Level 2, Canberra Hospital.

We have directions to Canberra Hospital.

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In the case of a life threatening emergency, dial Triple Zero (000).

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Contact us

Switchboard Canberra Hospital
(02) 5124 0000

International callers
+61 (2) 5124 0000

Switchboard North Canberra Hospital
(02) 6201 6111

International callers
+61 (2) 6201 6111

Switchboard other hospitals and services
(02) 5124 0000

International callers
+61 (2) 5124 0000

The switchboard handles all calls to, from and within the hospital 24 hours/seven days a week