Medical Social Work
Supporting women, newborns and their families with fair and compassionate care.
Medical Social Workers provide support to patients attending the hospital. The service’s main role is to help women and their families with any psychological, emotional, social or practical difficulties that may arise during pregnancy and after the delivery of the baby.
About the Medical Social Work Department
This service can help you access practical supports and will have up-to-date information on parent support groups and community services. The team also provides counselling support and advice around the following areas:
The admission of a baby to the Neonatal Unit
Pregnancy loss
Complications associated with Fetal Anomalies
Unplanned pregnancy
Options in pregnancy
Addiction through pregnancy
Mental Health concerns before and after birth
Domestic Violence
Relationship difficulties
Young people, who are under 18 years
Additional practical or emotional support during and after pregnancy
Information on and referral to community supports
Child care issues
Child Welfare/Protection issues
Accessing the service
The Medical Social Work Department service is available free of charge to all Gynaecology, Obstetric and Neonatal patients who attend The Coombe. Referrals can be made by hospital staff or outside agencies.
Alternatively, you can request access to the Medical Social Work Service by contacting the Department on 01 4085617. Your call will be returned by the Department receptionist. If you have been given an appointment with one of the Medical Social Workers, when you arrive at the hospital, please go to the Medical Social Work Department, which is located on the ground floor opposite the perinatal centre, and the Receptionist will contact the Medical Social Worker for you.
Entitlements
For all enquiries relating to Social Welfare entitlements, please contact your local Citizens Information Centre. If a hospital letter is required confirming your pregnancy or delivery, the Medical Social Work Department's Receptionist will provide this for you.
Department Details
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 9.30 am to 5.00 pm.
Contact Details: Telephone 01 4085617.
This is a confidential voicemail where it is safe to leave your details. Your call will be returned by the Medical Social Work Department Receptionist.
Children First
The Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital is committed to the principle that the safety and best interests of children directly availing of our services are paramount. Commitment to this principle also applies to children who are indirectly involved with the hospital. A full copy of the Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital Child Safeguarding Statement can be viewed here.
Useful Links
Information/Services for Migrant Patients:
General supports: