Social work in hospitals

Social work in hospitals plays a particularly important role in building harmonious relationships between the hospital and patients and their families; connecting philanthropists with the hospital to help patients in difficult circumstances. When done well, social work in hospitals will be a source of comfort for patients in difficult situations, giving them more faith in life, in humanity, and in the humane and good nature of society.

Orphaned at a young age, Nguyen Pham Ngoc Han (29 years old) relied on her husband for support. However, since she developed kidney failure, her husband left. For the past 7 years, she has lived on the support of the hospital. Ngoc Han choked up as she said, “I have end-stage chronic kidney failure and need dialysis three times a week. I have no relatives, no home, so the hospital is my second home. Besides the health insurance coverage, the hospital's Social Work Department wholeheartedly supports me with medication and dialysis costs, ranging from 500,000 to 1,000,000 VND per month for the past 7 years. Every day, charitable meals keep me full, but regarding medication and hospital expenses, if it weren't for the support of benefactors and the hospital, I wouldn't have been able to survive until now…”

Mr. Vo Van Day (My Thanh Ward, Long Xuyen City), whose child also suffers from chronic kidney failure, shared: “My wife passed away due to kidney failure when our child was only 5 years old. At 17, our child fell ill. My son and I have been living in the hospital for the past 8 years. Before, I worked as a hired porter and a motorbike taxi driver. Since my son got sick, I quit portering and stayed at the hospital to take care of him. To keep him healthy, I try to do a few rides each day to buy medicine and supplements, but that job is also slow now. My son and I rely on the hospital's support and the generosity of donors. I am very grateful…”

An Giang Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital actively supports patients.

In addition to providing material and emotional support to patients, as people's demand for higher-quality hospital services increases rapidly, social work in hospitals helps meet patient satisfaction. According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Phi Yen (Head of Social Work Department, An Giang Central General Hospital), in 2024, the unit implemented a registration process for outpatient health insurance examinations for patients using health insurance cards, citizen identification cards, discharge papers, etc., shortening waiting times.

Simultaneously, the unit implemented initiatives to improve the queuing process for receiving outpatients for examination and treatment. It organized 5 "Zero-Cost Charity Booths" and provided free haircuts for relatives of patients undergoing treatment, with a total cost of over 200 million VND from contributions by hospital staff and benefactors. The unit also connected with benefactors who provided nearly 900 million VND in support to patients in difficult circumstances receiving treatment at the hospital; and provided consultation and registration for examinations and treatments through the hotline for 857 cases…

Dr. Nguyen Duy Tan (Director of An Giang Central General Hospital) shared: “The hospital's Social Work Department effectively fulfills its mission of connecting with and supporting patients in difficult circumstances, spreading humanitarian values ​​in the community. When patients face difficulties, the Social Work Department appeals for support from the community and philanthropists. In cases of patient transfer, the hospital will allocate funds from the Youth Union's Charity Bus Fund.”

An Giang Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital provides healthcare for two vulnerable groups: women and children. According to Pham Nguyen Thao Nguyen, Deputy Head of the Social Welfare and Customer Care Department, in 2024, the hospital supported 147 impoverished patients with a total budget of nearly 350 million VND. In addition, thanks to donations from benefactors (over 440 million VND), the hospital carried out many meaningful activities, such as: providing free medical examinations, medication, and gifts to impoverished people; supporting heart surgery for children; giving gifts to patients; and organizing a "Zero-Cost Fair"...

Over the years, the hospital's social work staff have always found joy in doing meaningful work; striving their best to fulfill their roles and responsibilities, contributing to sharing and supporting many disadvantaged patients, helping them feel secure during treatment. Patients also receive special attention during holidays and festivals. The establishment of the Social Work Department meets the essential development needs of the hospital, aiming for comprehensive healthcare, gradually building, improving, and maintaining positive relationships between medical staff and patients and their families, working together towards a better society.

Social work is a noble profession with profound humanitarian significance. Therefore, Vietnam Social Work Day (March 25th) each year is an occasion for society to recognize and honor the contributions and dedication of social workers in general, and those in the healthcare sector in particular.

HANH CHAU

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/cong-tac-xa-hoi-trong-benh-vien-a419397.html