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Social work

Compassionate support for issues relating to family, aged care or drug and alcohol problems

What we do

Social Workers are an essential part of our healthcare team, providing support that goes beyond medical treatment for the community of Southern Gippsland.

Social Workers help patients and their families navigate the emotional, social, and practical challenges that often arise after illness, injury, or major life changes. Their goal is to ensure that every individual feels supported and empowered during their healthcare journey.

Our Social Workers are highly trained to:

  • Conduct psychosocial assessments to understand each patient’s unique needs
  • Provide counselling and emotional support
  • Assist with advocacy, ensuring patients’ voices are heard
  • Offer information and referrals to community resources and services
  • Social Work staff are available to help with personal or practical difficulties, whether during a hospital stay or in planning for life after discharge.

They also play an active role in educational programs and support groups within the community, fostering ongoing care and connection.

If you or your family need assistance, please speak to your care team about accessing Social Work services

Our Social Work Services include:

Our social workers can help with counselling, advocacy, crisis support, housing, healthcare access, family issues, mental health, and community resources.

Social Workers also work in areas such as:

  • Illness
  • Loss and grief
  • Disability
  • Life cycle changes
  • Pregnancy support
  • Parenting and family issues
  • Domestic violence
  • Racial and gender inequality
  • Child protection and wellbeing
  • Victims of crime
  • Relationships
  • Social policy
  • Social justice
  • Community services
  • Residential aged care
  • Centrelink entitlements
  • Health care complaints
  • Medical referrals to other appropriate services
  • Patients and clients of Bayside Health Regional Care Group
  • People in the community who wish to access counselling at Community Health Centres at Korumburra and Tarwin Lower
  • Residents within the Shire of South Gippsland
  • Human dignity and worth
  • Social justice
  • Service to humanity
  • Integrity
  • Competence

Referral from your GP

To access this service, you’ll need a referral letter from your GP or medical practitioner.

Referrals can be made via the telephone, email, fax or post as follows:

Phone:
(03) 5654 2737

Email:
gateway@gshs.com.au

Fax:
(03) 5667 5634

Address:
Gateway Intake Service
Leongatha Hospital
Private Bag 13
Leongatha Vic, 3953

We will contact you within clinically recommended timeframes. If there’s no waiting list, you’ll receive an appointment booking letter or we’ll call to arrange a convenient time.

An appointment to see a Social Worker can be made a number of ways.

Referrals can be made by any staff member.

Referrals can be made by other services and agencies in the community.

Get more details

The social work service is free and confidential.

For more information about Social Work services in Southern Gippsland;

When: Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm
Phone:
(03) 5654 2737
Email: social.work@gshs.com.au 

Leongatha Hospital
Address

66 Koonwarra Rd
Leongatha VIC VIC 3953

Phone

(03) 5654 2737

Email

social.work@gshs.com.au

Opening hours

Monday to Friday
(Except Public Holidays)
8:30am - 5:00pm

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