Social Workers Provide Valued Care in Hospitals
Brenda is a PIH Health social worker who embodies the organization’s “Patient First” vision. She began working at PIH Health Whittier Hospital in March 2020, at the initial onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. She quickly volunteered to work in the COVID-19 units and was one of the first social workers to see patients at the bedside. Brenda has been instrumental in the development of key initiatives such as the establishment of the Patient and Family Support Team (PFST) at PIH Health Whittier Hospital and assisted with the launch of the PFST at PIH Health Downey Hospital. She is known to be a compassionate and strong social worker and never too busy to help a patient, family member or peer. She has built strong relationships with an interdisciplinary team and is always available to assist with difficult family dynamics and end of life conversations.
Social work is an integral part of PIH Health’s team. Social workers provide comprehensive, quality services that enhance the psychosocial functioning of patients and their families. Social Work services include assessments, appropriate follow-up, assistance with discharge planning, abuse screening, discharge planning tasks and collaboration with other healthcare professionals to provide to provide comprehensive care. They also provide linkages to community resources and facilitation of various support groups. These services allow the patients and their families to maximize their functioning in the hospital and their community.
Social Work services are referred by doctors and nurses as needed to address issues that include:
- Mental health evaluations
- Suspicion of sexual assault
- Sudden or imminent death
- Suspected child or elder abuse/neglect
- Suspected domestic violence
- Homeless patients
- Complex discharge planning
- Home safety evaluations
- Frequent readmissions
- New chronic diagnosis/life threatening disorders
- Substance abuse
- Lack of financial resources (no insurance, no income)
