Medical Social Work

The Social Work Department of The Royal Hospital Donnybrook has grown in recent years in response to the increased recognition of the psychosocial dimension of illness and disability. The department works with the patient to support the process of adjusting to illness and disability, with all the social, emotional and practical implications this entails. Social workers have a special role in supporting families and carers in this process. They also link with as many public, community and voluntary services as possible to maximise patient independence and quality of life, and that of their family.

The social work service is free and confidential and available to all patients and their families.

For further information, please contact Mary Duffy, Principal Medical Social Worker at mduffy@rhd.ie or 01-4066657
Residents' Council

The Residents' Council was set up in 2005 to empower residents, to promote self advocacy, and to facilitate liaison with hospital management on day to day issues.  The main objective of the council is to safeguard residents' rights within the hospital through a process of informing and facilitation.  The council members can consist of any of the long term residents of the hospital, regardless of age, who express an interest in joining the group.  In addition, we have, at present, two staff members acting as group facilitators.  Residents are informed of the venue and date of the meetings in advance.  Meetings are held quarterly.