The Social Work Service of Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Health Service is guided by the Standards of Practice set by the Australian Association of Social Workers.
Our services are free and confidential within the NSW Department of Health guidelines.
Who are we?
Social Work Department, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Health Service
What do we do?
Social Workers are skilled professionals who can assist you in dealing with the emotional and
practical issues that may arise from your hospital stay, illness, or life changing issues.
Social Workers participate with other professionals in Inpatient, Rehabilitation, Adult Mental Health, Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Aged Care Services
Social Work services are available to HKHS patients, their families, carers and support people.
Social Work services include:
- Counselling, support and therapy
- Adjustment to life changes
- Planning your admission and discharge home
- Advice and organisation of residential care (nursing home/hostel) permanent and respite
- Referral to community support and counselling services eg Home Care, Meals on Wheels, community health centres and legal services
- Information on available therapies and treatment programs
- Running of, and referral to, support groups
- Information about financial assistance, statutory entitlements, transport to and from the hospital.
Social Workers can discuss with you or your family any concerns or difficulties regarding:
- Your illness and treatment
- Family and relationship issues
- Your self-esteem, confidence and anxieties
- Your experience of bereavement and grief
- The impact of trauma on your and your family
- Lifestyle changes
- Making difficult decisions
How you can access our service
Social Work services are available to HKHS patients, their families, carers and support people.
Clients do not need a Doctor’s referral. Please ask the ward clerk or nursing staff if you or your family member wish to see a social worker. We can also provide information and support to people in the community. You can contact social work department on the 9477 9558.
Where you can find us
Many of our services are located on the campus of Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital. Home visits can be arranged.
What are our hours?
Monday to Friday: 8.30am to 5.00pm
Saturday to Sunday: Crisis on-call Social Workers through Emergency Department
How you can contact us
By phoning or calling into our services. Appointments are made by the individual services.
Social Work Contact Telephone Numbers
| Service name | Contact Number |
| Aged Care Assessment Team |
9477 9525 |
| Inpatient Social Work Team |
9477 9558 |
Rehabilitation Ward: Geraghty
Rehabilitation Ward: Mary Giles |
9477 9484
9477 9727 |
| Adult Mental Health Services |
9477 9520 |
| Aged Care Psychiatry Service: |
9477 9520 |
| Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service |
9477 9143 |
More information
Other services that you may find useful include:
- Health Care Interpreter Service - 9926 7560
- Aged Care Carer Respite Centre - 1800 059 059
- Dept of Community Services Helpline - 13 36 27
- Domestic Violence Assistance - 1800 65 64 63
- Victims of Crime Support - 9374 7300
- Sexual Assault Service (RNSH) - 9926 7580
Printable version
|