Jason - Social Worker

There is really no typical day for a CLIC Sargent Social Worker. Cancer can affect anyone, so our work is as varied as the children themselves. 

09:00 Meeting time
My day begins with a clinic meeting, ward round or psychosocial meeting.

10:00 Helping with the news
I meet the parents of a newly diagnosed child and explain my role and the support offered by CLIC Sargent. I give them leaflets on grants and holidays and explain where to park and how to apply for a Blue Badge, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Carer’s Allowance. They are still in shock from the diagnosis, and there is too much for them to take in, so I encourage them to take the information away to look at later.

However, we complete applications for grants towards hospital and travel expenses. They also ask me to write a letter to their employer explaining the demands their child’s treatment will make on their time. We arrange to meet again next week to see how they are getting on and complete their DLA application.   

11:00 Parent's Tea
I rush across to run Parents’ Tea - a weekly group where parents can talk informally. They don’t have to say anything in particular – it’s just an opportunity to meet and be nourished with tea and goodies away from the relentless responsibilities of the ward.

12:00 – 12:30 Lunch
I have a quick bite to eat before meeting a dad.  

12:30 Meeting a parent
The dad has completed his son’s DLA application, but wants me to check it. English is not his first language, but he’s done a brilliant job. However, he really wants to talk about how difficult he is finding his son’s treatment and complex physical needs. At initial diagnosis families are usually well supported by family and friends, but as treatment goes on, this support becomes less available, so they need more professional help.  top of page

Dad and I talk for an hour and a half, and decide to request extra support from the local children’s disability team. We arrange to meet again after the family return from their CLIC Sargent holiday at Malcolm Sargent House; they desperately need time away from hospital. As we say goodbye, I encourage him to come to Parents’ Tea. 

2:15 Catch up time
I sit at my desk for the first time today and check my messages. One is from a school where a child is returning after a year on treatment. The parents have told them about the book ‘Lucy has a Tumour’ and they ask me for a copy. I agree a date for a meeting and promise to bring a range of resources with me.

The second message is from a community nurse to say she will sort out a child’s Blue Badge so I don’t need to; however, she asks if I can help with their Carer’s Allowance application. It’s a fair swap!

The last message is from a mother who forgot to ask her child’s consultant two questions. I email the consultant immediately with her queries.   

3:00 Arranging help
I contact a local children’s disability team on behalf of the dad I met earlier, and tell them the family needs urgent support because of the child’s long-term complex physical needs.  

3:30 Getting beaten at Connect 4
I run to the ward to see one of my older patients who is in for the next two days. The last time he was in we played Connect 4 and Uno and he won every time. I’ve been practising and hope to win at least once today! His parents are glad I visit him and say he enjoys beating me at our games. He has been practising too, and I sadly lose every time. However, he smiled throughout the games and that was reward enough for me. 

4:30 Planning and practise
I sit at my computer completing my notes from the day and planning what I need to do tomorrow. I take Uno and Connect 4 home with me to practise some more …

Most people think treating cancer is just about medical care. My role is to ensure that all areas of a child’s care are addressed so families can focus on medical needs. I hope my day-to-day support helps to ease some of their difficulties.