Treating the Whole Person

Social Workers play an important role in the hospital and clinic setting. Their goal is to support the whole person, not just a medical problem.

March is National Social Work Month, and Rutland Regional Medical Center (RRMC) is grateful to have the support of highly skilled Social Work staff for our patients and community. Social Workers play an important role in the hospital and clinic setting. They help patients and families during times of illness, stress, and change. Their goal is to support the whole person, not just a medical problem.

The Inpatient Social Work team at RRMC supports patients in ensuring a safe discharge from the hospital as well as connect them with any resources they may need to assist in their overall wellness moving forward. Health isn’t just about medical care, it’s also affected by housing, food, income, transportation, and safety. Social Workers can make connections to community resources in all these areas that support healing and long-term health.

Social Workers also provide supportive counseling related to health concerns. Being sick or injured can be scary and overwhelming. Patients may feel anxious, worried, or confused. Social Workers listen, provide emotional support, and help patients cope with their diagnosis or treatment. They also support family members who may be unsure how to help their loved ones.

Social Workers can also be found in clinics and in the community supporting patient families to coordinate the patient’s care with their Primary Care Provider and with specialists as well as access resources in the community. Children and adults can greatly benefit from the support of a Community Health Team staff member to help navigate the referrals, ensure communication amongst the care team, and even support coordination with other community partners, like schools or other case management roles.

The Rutland Regional Behavioral Health clinic also provides robust support with trained clinicians who provide therapy to address mental health concerns. Therapy helps patients to understand their feelings, build coping skills, and improve their daily functioning. Mental health is an important part of overall health, and our Behavioral Health Clinicians help our patients improve their well-being.

Overall, Social Workers in the hospital and clinic settings help patients feel supported, informed and safe. By addressing social needs, emotional health and future planning, Social Workers improve patient well-being and help create even better health outcomes. Rutland Regional Medical Center is stronger, and our patients are safer because of our Social Workers.

By Meridith Drude, MSW, LICSW, CCM, Director of Community Health Improvement & Medical Social Work Services at Rutland Regional