Tuesday March 18, 2025
Often unseen, the invaluable role of Social Workers providing essential support to families, advocating for their well-being, and helping them navigate life’s challenges.
Jess, a Social Worker at Eastern Health, supports Women and Children departments, from antenatal care, birth suite, post-natal ward and in the Special Care Nursery, where she works closely with families facing significant stressors.
A Special Care Nursery (SCN) is a facility that provides care for babies who are too unwell for the postnatal ward.
Jess’ role in the Special Care Nursery is vital in helping parents navigate the emotional and practical challenges of having a baby in circumstances requiring special care.
“We want our families to feel supported and confident in our space, and ultimately equipped to go home with their newborns,” says Jess. “Our goal is to create a sense of normality and empowerment during an incredibly difficult time.”
In addition to offering emotional support, Jess is instrumental in assisting families facing more complex challenges.
“If a family’s mental health is suffering, we can refer them to PEHS, our Perinatal Emotional Health Service,” she explains. “They specialize in supporting individuals experiencing mental health difficulties during pregnancy or postnatally, while focusing on building a strong attachment between parents and their babies.”
Having a Social Worker like Jess in the hospital, provides families with stability, ensuring they have a consistent support system both in the hospital and after they go home.
“The public health system can often be complex and overwhelming for our families, and sometimes just having a consistent person to talk through the process and concerns can alleviate worries and make a huge difference,” Jess says.
