Week 12 - Middlemore Hospital - Core competencies and fit and proper

 

Week 12 was my last week of placement with the National burns unit I was able to further reflect on how the praxis of placement has helped me demonstrate the core competencies 1, 2, 4 and 10.

1. Competence to practice social work with Māori

2. Competence to practice social work ethic and cultural groups in Aotearoa New Zealand.

4.  Competence to promote principles of human rights and social and economic justice.

10. Represents the social work profession with integrity and professionalism. 

The National Burns Unit at Middlemore Hospital is a complex environment where social workers must stand up for the principles of human rights and social justice, especially when working with people who are not just dealing with physical trauma but also the emotional and psychological fallout that comes with it. Social workers play a critical role in advocating for patients’ rights and addressing the wider social implications of their recovery.

In line with Nga Takepū, Manaakitanga (care and respect) is key in the way we approach patient care. As a social worker, my job is to create a treatment environment that respects the dignity, comfort, and needs of every patient. I remember a specific case with an older Māori wahine who felt exposed, unheard, and like her rights to care weren’t being respected. To address this, we organized a hui to talk about her needs, how we could change her dressings, and most importantly, how to approach her with the care she deserved.

This wahine had experienced deep trauma she had lost her eldest daughter, and that experience had left her struggling. The hospital environment felt alienating for her. So, applying social justice in this case meant providing her with the support she needed, both emotionally and practically counselling, plus help from the Ministry of Justice due to her financial difficulties. We made sure she had access to the right resources to get through this tough time.

In this way, my practice upholds human rights, social justice, and critical thinking not just in theory, but in action. It’s about being ethically committed to ensuring equitable care and fair access to services for all patients, regardless of their background or circumstances. No judgment, no bias just supports where it’s needed most.

At Middlemore Hospital’s Burns Unit, a diverse range of ethnic families is supported, and it is essential to ensure that they feel safe, their cultural values are respected, and any language barriers are addressed appropriately. For instance, a Middle Eastern family, relatively new to New Zealand with minimal English proficiency, required additional support during their assessment. It became evident that there was not complete clarity in their understanding of the information being conveyed. Although an interpreter service is available, it can be time-consuming.

To overcome this, I utilized alternative communication methods to ensure effective understanding. Using Google Translate, I was able to clearly communicate important details about the assessment, risk management, safety protocols, discharge requirements, and follow-up appointments. This approach ensured that the family fully understood the necessary information and felt supported throughout the process.This enabled the ethical and professional standards of the fit and proper policy that ensured the social worker maintained high ethical standards, showing respect for all individuals, regardless of their ethnicity.