Celebrations for challenging but rewarding work
In Lydia Rae’s job, she bears witness to some of the most traumatic, life-changing events a person can experience.
Tumours found in children, premature babies whisked away from their mothers for life-saving treatment, and toddlers with unexplained bruises and broken bones are just a portion of what the social worker sees day to day.
‘‘It sometimes feels like you’re being asked to solve an impossible situation,’’ said Rae, the social work professional lead at the Taranaki District Hospital Board.
‘‘But it’s not about me, it’s about that child and that family and making sure they are going to be OK.’’
Rae’s role includes supporting families of deceased, sick or injured children admitted to hospital. It can take an emotional toll - but it’s also meaningful work she holds dear.
Tomorrow is New Zealand Social Worker Day. To celebrate social workers, Rae has invited artist Paul Rangiwahia to present his piece - A Mental WOF, a daily dose of wellbeing - at Taranaki Base Hospital.
Rae said she and her colleagues work with doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and dieticians, primarily receiving inpatient referrals that can come from any department in the hospital.
During her 20-year career Rae has been in a number of situations where a child has died and she has needed to discuss practical information like funeral arrangements with grieving parents.
While she admits social work is challenging, Rae applauds those families and her colleagues for surviving it all.
‘‘Social work, in an acute setting, is very demanding and is not for everyone,’’ she said.
‘‘Some of those things really stick with you but it’s about trying to remember what your focus is, and that’s to support that family in that moment.’’