Medical Social Welfare Services

Vision

To ensure the psychosocial needs of patients, families and communities are met to achieve better health.

Mission

To provide excellent psychosocial services through practical assistance and supportive therapy.

Objectives and Functions of the Department

1. Delivery of Quality Psychosocial Services to Patients Focus: Responsiveness and continuity of care.

1. Ensure that at least 95% of referred cases are assessed and acted upon with intervention within two (2) working days.
2. Ensure that at least 85% of case referrals to aid-granting agencies are processed within five (5) working days after the completion of social intervention.

2. Excellence in Governance & Patient Safety Focus: Compliance with KPI reporting, risk management, and continuous quality improvement.

1. Ensure 100% compliance with the submission of Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Reports, Annual Reports, and Incident Reports according to the timelines set by hospital management.
2. Conduct at least one (1) performance improvement audit activity—such as an internal audit / Quality Assurance (QA) / Quality Improvement (QI), Customer Satisfaction Survey, or other related initiatives—within the current year.

3. Competency Development Focus: Continuous learning through courses/training, learning sessions, and self-directed learning.

1. Ensure 100% of officers achieve the target of 40 training hours per year to meet continuous learning requirements.
2. Ensure 100% of newly reported officers undergo the Departmental Orientation Program within 30 days.
3. Ensure at least 80% of officers attend the department’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) / Continuous Medical Social Work Education (CMSWE) sessions.

Organisation Chart

Services

Medical Social Work Services are provided for inpatients and outpatients receiving hospital treatment. These services include:       

1. Practical Assistance Management

1. Institution Placement
2. Financial Assistance (equipment / medicine / treatment / general)
3. Family tracing

2. Supportive Therapy Assistance Management

1. Consultation Services
2. Emotional Support
3. Crisis Intervention

 3. Practical assistance and supportive therapy are provided to the following cases, including:

1. Child Abuse and Neglect
2. Unmarried mother
3. Domestic violence
4. Sexual Offenses
5. Acute and Chronic Patients
6. People with Disabilities
7. HIV Positive / AIDS
8. Drug / Alcohol Addiction

Related Information

Operation Hours Medical Social Work Unit, SCACC HKL

Client Charter

1. Every client entitled for services regardless of race, religion, age, gender and socioeconomic status.
2. The information obtained from client will be kept confidential and can only be disclosed to certain parties as needed.
3. The management of applications for practical assistance and supportive therapy is subject to the relevant agency's terms and regulations, existing resources and the applicant's qualifications.

1. Eligibility criteria and application process for obtaining assistance through the Medical Social Work Department (JKSP) at HKL are as follows:

1. Patients registered and currently receiving treatment at the relevant government hospital or clinic.
2. Malaysian citizens.
3. Referred by the attending Specialist/Medical Officer for patients unable to afford treatment costs, medical equipment, medications, or in need of psychosocial support.
4. Patients who have no other source of funding from any party.

2. Required documents for applications at the Medical Social Work Department, the patient or next of kin must prepare the following supporting documents:

1. Specialist/Medical Officer Referral Form (from the treating doctor).
2. Medical Report/Verification Form confirming illness and treatment by the treating Medical Officer/Specialist.
3. Quotation for required equipment/medication (issued by a supplier and certified by the doctor).
4. Copy of Identity Card (MyKad) of the patient and head of household / applicant / next of kin.
5. Proof of Income:
6. Latest payslip (patient and spouse/next of kin), or Income Verification Letter (from the Village Head / Village Chief / Group A Public Officer if self-employed or unemployed).
7. Copy of latest Bank Statement (patient / applicant).
8. Copy of Utility Bill (water or electricity).
9. Other documents required following the assessment session by the Medical Social Work Officer.

3. The assistance application process is carried out as follows:

1. Doctor's Referral: The attending doctor will make an official referral to JKSP based on the patient's needs.
2. Interview & Socioeconomic Assessment: The Medical Social Work Officer will meet with the patient/next of kin to evaluate socioeconomic status.
3. Investigation / Document Verification: The officer evaluates eligibility based on household income and financial commitments.
4. Decision & Approval:

1. 1. Eligible patients will be referred to relevant assistance-providing agencies such as the MOH Medical Assistance Fund (TBP) / Malaysian Medical Welfare Fund, or
   2. To external agencies such as relevant government bodies or non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
   3. The approval decision will be communicated to the referring Specialist/Medical Officer and the patient/next of kin.