Shaping the Future: Social Work Student Placements at Mildmay

Two social work student portraits (young, black women — Social Work Students Gloria (left) and Malina, will be completing their placements soon.

Our commitment to holistic care extends to the next generation of social work professionals on placement at Mildmay Hospital.

By offering placements to social work students, we provide an invaluable opportunity for hands-on learning in a multidisciplinary healthcare setting - an experience that is both rewarding and challenging.

In October 2024, we welcomed two exceptional social work students, Gloria and Malina, who are now nearing the end of their 100-day placements. Their time at Mildmay has been one of growth, learning, and meaningful impact - not just for them, but also for our patients and the multidisciplinary team of which they became a key part.

Immersing in the Realities of Healthcare Social Work

For Malina, the placement at Mildmay was a deep dive into the complexities of working with individuals living with HIV-related illnesses and neurocognitive disorders. “My goal was to not only deepen my understanding of social work theories but also to apply them in a healthcare setting, focusing on delivering person-centred care”.

Working within Mildmay’s social work team, Malina played a key role in assessing patients’ needs, conducting risk assessments, and liaising with multiple agencies to ensure patients had robust discharge plans in place. She embraced leadership opportunities, chairing discharge meetings and coordinating care between housing providers, social workers, and healthcare professionals. Her work reflected the ethos of Mildmay - to provide dignified and effective person-centred care.

Gloria’s experience was equally transformative. “From day one, I was welcomed and treated with respect as an integral part of the multidisciplinary team”. Being part of the team meant she was not just observing but actively contributing. Collaborating with doctors, nurses, therapists, and other professionals gave her a broad perspective on how social work fits into a healthcare environment and “gave me a comprehensive understanding of how integrated care contributes to better patient outcomes”.

A Holistic and Person-Centred Approach

Social work at Mildmay is more than just addressing patients’ immediate needs. Our approach encompasses long-term well-being, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their future, and connecting them with the necessary support systems for life beyond the hospital.

Malina’s time at Mildmay underscored this holistic approach. She worked closely with the Mental Capacity Act 2005, ensuring that patients’ best interests were at the centre of every decision. She was also entrusted with the role of key worker for a specific case, honing her skills in communication, care planning, and patient advocacy.

Similarly, Gloria found profound meaning in working directly with patients. “One of the most rewarding aspects of this placement was building trusting relationships with patients, offering emotional support, and advocating for their rights and needs”.

Through involvement in discharge planning, liaising with external agencies, and participating in training and development, both students have developed a deeper understanding of the legal frameworks underpinning social work, particularly the Care Act 2014 and the Human Rights Act.

Emotional Growth and Professional Development

A placement at Mildmay is not just about developing technical skills - it’s also about personal and emotional growth. Working in a hospital setting comes with challenges, particularly when facing loss, change, and the realities of complex care.

“The challenges were emotionally taxing, but they provided valuable opportunities for growth and self-reflection, I’ve developed a greater sense of emotional resilience, which will help me continue supporting patients and their families effectively,” says Gloria.

Both students credit the support of the Mildmay team in shaping their experience. Gloria says “The guidance from my practice educator and every team member I worked with enriched my learning”, while Malina highlights how the placement has given her newfound confidence in working within a multidisciplinary environment.

Investing in the Future of Social Work

At Mildmay, we firmly believe that investing in student placements is an investment in the future of society. By providing a nurturing and enriching learning environment, we help shape the next generation of compassionate, skilled, and dedicated social workers.

For Gloria and Malina, their placements at Mildmay have been stepping stones in their journey toward professional practice. They leave with not only new knowledge and experience but also a renewed sense of purpose and dedication to social work.

“I leave this placement with a heightened sense of competence and a clear understanding of the essential role social work plays in healthcare settings,” says Malina.

Gloria echoes this sentiment: “I am truly grateful for the supportive, collaborative, and empowering learning environment Mildmay has provided. This experience will have a lasting impact on me as I move forward in my social work career.”

As they take their next steps, we are proud to have played a part in their development and we look forward to welcoming more students in the future, continuing to bridge the gap between education and practice, and shaping the future of social work in healthcare.