Social work in NHS hospitals: Opportunities and challenges

Social work in hospitals has been an enduring feature of the social work profession.

However, a detailed overview has often been lacking. In this original new research, Carrie Phillips describes and analyses the current state of social work in acute hospitals and makes important recommendations for policy and practice.

This research and findings draw on data from Freedom of Information requests, interviews with hospital social workers, and a UK-wide online survey. It will be a key resource for NHS managers, social work managers, clinicians, and, not least for hospital social workers themselves.

The report is a resource and consequently the views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Universities of Sunderland, Cardiff or BASW.