The Social Service Department at Tri-State Memorial Hospital offers its patients access to a licensed master level social worker, (LMSW).  Tri-State Memorial believes in integrating a biopsychosocial paradigm to deliver the best possible health care to their patients.  The master level social worker is available to patients and their families whom may be experiencing severe biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to health and illness. Many referrals address issues of depression, anxiety, suicide, drug and alcohol, grief and loss, pain management, end of life decisions, and advance directives.  In addition, the social worker will often coordinate with community agencies to provide a continuum of care for patients once they are discharged from the hospital.

The licensed master level social worker also works as part of the health care team in Tri-State Memorial Hospital’s out patient dialysis unit.  Nephrology social work services support and maximize the psychosocial functioning and adjustment of patients who are experiencing end-stage renal disease.  These services are provided to ameliorate social and emotional stresses resulting from the interacting physical, social, and psychological concomitants of ESRD.  A quarterly pre-education class, Choices, is also provided for new patients and their families who have been diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease.  If you would like to learn more about kidney disease and the members of the health care team please visit www.kidneydirections.com  or www.kidney.org.

If you or a family member feels that a social service consult may be appropriate for you or a loved one please contact your health care professional or do not hesitate to contact the social service department directly at: (509)-758-5511 ext. 2970