Each year on the third Tuesday of March, the RCH celebrates World Social Work Day to highlight the achievements of social workers, raise the visibility of social work services, and to promote the contributions of the profession to individuals, families, and the wider community.
Mum Rani, Dad Shiraz, and three month old Zaeden are part of just one family who have had first-hand experience of the benefits of our Social Work Department.
Zaeden first began his journey at the RCH when he was admitted to the ED with gastro like symptoms, including vomiting and severe dehydration, which were causing him to lose significant amounts of body weight.
From there, Zaeden’s care didn’t stop. He experienced constant cannulas and IV drips, and underwent surgery to put in a central line. He also experienced blood transfusions, 10 days of fasting and constant immunology, gastro and dietary consults.
Zaeden spent 22 days in hospital and was diagnosed with osmotic diarrhoea. And during this time, staff from Social Work, General Medicine and Gastro played a significant role in Zaeden’s care.
“During our stay at the RCH we met the most amazing people—doctors, nurses and social workers…all with nerves of steel and hearts of gold. Zaeden was very popular and always had an abundance of cuddles. We too were supported with the most amazing care,” Rani said.
One of those amazing people was Anje, their social worker.
“We had the most incredible social worker, Anje. We went for walks, and I could vent my frustrations and fears that I was holding in. I benefited greatly from the clarity that came from our conversations,” Rani said.
“I was feeling emotionally torn between my 6 year old at home who was starting Grade 1 and my 6 week old sick in hospital. Every word of kindness, every smile, and every positive vibe helped.”
“The General Medicine team were so caring in their approach to Zaeden during his worst days, and the Gastro team worked incredibly hard to get Zaeden better and on his way home to us. Both teams went over and beyond general care and concern for Zaeden. Th names of all those who cared for him are forever engraved in our hearts.”
Zaeden is now three months old, slowly gaining weight and making up for lost time.
“Even after such a rough start to his life, he is the most resilient and happy little fellow,” Rani said.
This year’s theme for World Social Work Day is ‘Co-building a New Eco-Social World: Leaving No One Behind.’ To learn more about the day and this year’s theme, visit the Australian Association of Social Work website.