Standing alongside people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives and making sure they leave hospital supported, safe and heard is second nature to senior social worker Madeleine Wilde.
After completing a Bachelor of Social Work, she undertook her student placement with Queensland Health in cancer services, which confirmed hospital social work was where she wanted to be.
“I really loved working in a hospital setting as a student,” Madeleine said.
“When I started at Robina Hospital, it just felt like the right fit. I found my space here and I haven’t wanted to leave... that was seven years ago.”
Working as part of multidisciplinary teams, social workers support patients from admission through to discharge, collaborating closely with doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals.
“Our shared goal is to support patients through their hospital journey and help them leave in a better position than when they came in,” Madeleine said.
Much of their work also focuses on discharge planning, particularly for patients with complex needs.
This includes linking patients and families with community services and ensuring people understand what assistance they are entitled to once they leave hospital.
“Often, patients don’t know what support is out there, so part of our role is helping them navigate that system.”
Madeleine admits it can be emotionally challenging, with much of her role focused on supporting people experiencing domestic and family violence, elder abuse, sudden illness, or major life changes - sometimes on the worst day of their lives.
“It’s incredibly rewarding, but it can also be really hard,” Madeleine said.
“That’s why having a strong team is so important. We support each other, step in when someone is having a tough day, and really value our team culture.”
Madeleine works in geriatrics, supporting older people, including those living with dementia, to find a permanent aged care placement if they are unable to continue living at home.
This leads into one of the biggest challenges facing hospital social workers currently - the housing and placement crisis - which can result in patients waiting extended periods in hospital for appropriate care arrangements.
“These issues are often outside our control,” Madeleine said.
“We do everything we can to support patients through those delays with dignity and compassion, but it can be really difficult for everyone involved.”
Despite the challenges, Madeleine believes social work is a deeply meaningful career.
“Even small interactions can make a big difference,” she said.
“When a patient or family thanks you and says you really helped them, that makes it all worth it.”
She encourages anyone considering a career in social work to see it as an opportunity to be an active part of healthcare teams and make a real impact.
“You get to walk alongside people during important moments in their lives, and that’s a really special thing,” she said.
