Specialized Seminar: 10 Years of Hospital Social Work from Defining the Role to the Mission of Development
The program attracted over 330 domestic and international experts, along with a multidisciplinary team of medical staff who participated in person at the Hospital and online via the Zoom platform. The event is an opportunity to look back at the journey of the formation and development of social work in the hospital, and to open new directions for the next phase.
In the opening speech, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Hoàng Bắc - Director of BV ĐHYD emphasized: “Social work at the Hospital has developed over more than 10 years, becoming a humane bridge between patients, the community, and medical staff. It does not stop at providing financial assistance to patients in need; more importantly, the role of Social Work is to provide spiritual care, awaken humanitarian, professional, and compassionate spirit within the medical team. This has created a unique identity and a culture of interaction for the Hospital, and affirms that Social Work is an indispensable part of the comprehensive health care model.”
At the conference, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Tuấn Hưng - Former Deputy Head of the Personnel Organization Department, Ministry of Health presented a report on the direction, legal framework and policies for developing social work in the health sector. He affirmed that the Ministry of Health will continue to accompany hospitals in building a professional social work team, contributing to improving the quality of medical services and moving towards sustainable development.
The conference also recorded in-depth contributions from international and domestic experts. Reporter Associate Professor Dr. Nathan Christopher Gehlert - Fulbright University Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City introduced trauma-focused therapy in psychological support for patients, emphasizing the effectiveness of combining psychotherapy with comprehensive medical care. Dr. Trương Nguyễn Xuân Quỳnh - Social Work Department, Da Nang Hospital analyzed mental health first aid skills in the hospital environment, showing the importance of timely response to protect patients and medical staff. Dr. Hoàng Thị Phú Bằng – Deputy Head of the Social Work Department, Bach Mai Hospital presented a social work activity model at the unit, as a practical example of integrating social work into treatment and care. Meanwhile, Associate Professor Trần Lê Bảo Trâm from Hue Central Hospital emphasized the role of social work staff in examination activities.
Notably, MSc. Trần Văn Hùng - Head of the Social Work Department at ĐHYD Hospital has summarized the 10-year journey of establishing and developing social work at the hospital. He said that from the early, somewhat awkward steps, the department has now built a professional operation system, with over 50,000 patients supported with medical examination and treatment costs, the total value of mobilized social resources reaching over 120 billion VND. In addition, the Social Work Department has organized more than 300 community programs with the participation of thousands of volunteers and partner units, spreading the spirit of sharing to many vulnerable groups in society.
According to MSc. Trần Văn Hùng, each activity aims to put patients at the center, accompanying them to overcome difficulties in spirit, finances, and health. It is the joint effort of medical staff, philanthropists, and the community that has made social work an indispensable part of comprehensive health care at ĐHYD Hospital.
The conference concluded with many expectations for the next stage. Experts agreed that social work needs to be developed in a coordinated manner, with strong support policies, and to continue expanding international cooperation to learn advanced models. With ĐHYD Hospital, the achievements of the past 10 years not only affirm its role but also lay the foundation for a long-term mission: making social work an indispensable part of the journey to improve the quality of medical care, providing comprehensive physical and mental care for patients.