Under the Circular No. 43/2015/TT-BYT of the Ministry of Health, which regulates the tasks and forms for implementing hospital social work, social work activities at hospitals across Da Nang are increasingly becoming efficient, providing thorough support for patients and enhancing their satisfaction.

Social work staff at the Da Nang Maternity and Pediatrics Hospital providing free meals for needy patients. Photo: L.P

Bridge of love

In early 2024, Ms. Arat Thi Day, hailing from Dong Giang District, Quang Nam Province, came to the Da Nang Maternity and Pediatrics Hospital to give birth to twin boys.

Following postnatal screening, the twins were diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot, accompanied by enzyme deficiency and complications of heart failure. After consultation, the doctors recommended transferring them to the Central Children's Hospital for heart surgery, with the cost of emergency transportation being about VND 15 million.

Ms. Day's family is impoverished, so the Social Work Department of the Da Nang Maternity and Pediatrics Hospital called on generous donors to provide over VND 16 million to help her family transfer the twins to the Central Children's Hospital for timely treatment.

Similarly, Ms. Ho Thi Ngoi, a resident of Tra Bong District, Quang Ngai Province, gave birth prematurely to a boy at 30 weeks, diagnosed with hydronephrosis and renal failure.

In January 2024, Ms Ngoi brought her baby to the Neonatal Department of the Da Nang Maternity and Pediatrics Hospital for treatment. After examination, the infant underwent surgery for posterior urethral valves, accompanied by septicemia, and was prescribed non-insured medication for at least 14 days, with the treatment cost of VND 900,000 per day.

Due to the family’s poverty, the hospital’s Social Work Department appealed for over VND 21 million to help the family cover the treatment and living expenses. After the treatment period, in April 2024, the child patient was discharged from the hospital and the Social Work Department arranged free transportation for him to return home.

Representatives from the Social Work Department of the Da Nang Maternity and Pediatrics Hospital stated that the department regularly mobilised resources and accepted sponsorships from benefactors to assist critically ill patients, ethnic minority patients, and those facing sudden difficulties, both materially and emotionally.

Since the beginning of the year, the department has raised around VND 300 million from generous philanthropists to support 51 needy patients; as well as has coordinated 10 free transportation trips to transfer and discharge patients.

Many humanitarian models

In addition to supporting inpatients, since April 2022, the Department has implemented the "Strollers of Love" programme.

Ms Doan Thi Hong Van, a staff member of the Department, said that understanding the hardships of mothers bringing young children to the hospital, and carrying both their children and luggage while managing paperwork, the department launched a stroller donation campaign to help mothers travel more conveniently.

The "Strollers of Love" programme helps mothers alleviate the burden of carrying their children for long periods and providing a comfortable place for children to rest after long journeys.

Social work activities at the Da Nang Hospital are also diverse and effective.

In 2023, the Social Work Department of the Da Nang Hospital received and assisted 116 patients with special difficult circumstances and 1,228 patients with serious illnesses by using various forms of assistance. Included are connecting benefactors to support needy patients with a total amount of over VND 2.72 billion; providing an average of 720 free meals per day to needy patients; collaborating with barber shops to provide free haircuts to patients every two weeks; and offering 103 free transportation trips to needy patients.

Furthermore, to boost the morale of patients suffering from serious illnesses, the department has launched the "Hair Library" model located in the Oncology Department and set up the "Love Cake Shelf" in the Artificial Kidney and Oncology Departments for patients to supplement energy during treatment.

In just the first three months of 2024, the Social Work Department supported 829 cases of needy patients, with a total amount of over VND 1 billion; and provided 63 free transportation services for discharged patients.

Given the vulnerable nature of patients, social work activities at the Da Nang Mental Hospital are somewhat more unique.

During treatment, patients at the hospital participate in social reintegration therapy activities, including planting vegetables, washing motorcycles, and making handmade products, sewing clothes, and making artificial flowers. These products are sold to raise funds and meet the needs of patients.

As shared by Mr Tran Nguyen Ngoc, Director of the Da Nang Mental Hospital, these therapeutic activities not only improve the mental state of patients but also serve as vocational guidance for them to find suitable and enjoyable jobs after treatment, thereby helping them gradually reintegrate into society and become part of the community.

Reporting by LAM PHUONG - Translating by T.VY