Social work at Mildmay Hospital
Mildmay's social work team works with some of the most marginalised patients in London: people living with complex HIV, rough sleeping, and the consequences of long-term substance use. We have supported social work students from universities across London for many years and offer one of the most distinctive clinical placement environments in specialist charitable healthcare in London.
What our social work team does
Mildmay's social work team, led by Beverley Nelson, Lead Social Worker and Safeguarding Lead, is embedded within the hospital's multidisciplinary team (MDT) and involved in every patient's care from the point of admission through to discharge and handover to community services.
Because Mildmay's patients often face significant social complexity alongside their clinical needs; insecure housing, financial hardship, estranged family, and years of disengagement from statutory services, social work is central to their recovery.
The team's core responsibilities include:
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Social assessment and identifying the practical, financial and relational needs of each patient
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Safeguarding, including risk assessment and liaison with statutory agencies
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Discharge planning, working alongside Mildmay's Discharge Coordinator and clinical team to ensure that progress made in hospital is not undone by inadequate support afterwards
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Housing: working with local authority teams, housing associations and temporary accommodation providers to secure safe, suitable options for patients leaving hospital
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Financial support: identifying benefits entitlements, connecting patients with appropriate charities and financial assistance programmes
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Liaison with community teams, including community mental health, drug and alcohol services, HIV community services and voluntary sector organisations
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Support for carers, family members and advocates
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Upholding patients' rights under the Care Act 2014, the Human Rights Act and the Mental Capacity Act 2005
The team works within a trauma-informed approach, consistent with Mildmay's wider ethos of care.
Who we support
People living with HIV
Mildmay has specialised in HIV rehabilitation for nearly four decades. Many patients on the HIV pathway face significant social vulnerability alongside their clinical needs: poverty, stigma, housing instability and social isolation are common. Social workers provide sustained, relationship-based support throughout each admission, and ensure that discharge plans are realistic and properly resourced.
People who are rough sleeping or at risk of homelessness
Patients admitted via our Step-Down Homeless Medical Care Pathway arrive at a particularly fragile point, recuperating from illness or injury, often with no fixed address and limited engagement with support services. Social workers are central to building trust with this group and to navigating the housing and social care systems to support safe, planned discharge.
People recovering from substance use
On the London Detox Pathway and Post-detox Recovery Pathway, social work is part of a recovery-focused programme that addresses the social conditions that sustain addiction. This includes reconnecting patients with family, securing benefits, and supporting access to community recovery services.
Social work support for patients and families
If you are a patient at Mildmay, or a family member or carer, you can ask to speak with a member of the social work team at any point during your stay. You do not need a referral from your doctor or nurse.
Social workers can help with questions about housing, benefits, care after discharge, access to community services, family relationships and safeguarding. Everything is treated in confidence, in line with professional standards.
Ask any member of ward staff to contact the social work team on your behalf.
Social work education and training
Mildmay has supported student social workers from universities across London for many years, and the team takes the training and supervisory role seriously.
Beverley Nelson, Lead Social Worker and Safeguarding Lead, leads Mildmay's approach to student supervision, with a commitment to anti-oppressive and anti-discriminative practice throughout.
Students work within a patient-centred multidisciplinary team (MDT), alongside consultants, psychiatrists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, art therapist, substance misuse worker, nursing team, chaplaincy and and volunteers, and take on real casework, from initial assessment through to discharge and community handover.
The complexity of Mildmay's patient groups means that cases frequently require multi-agency collaboration and the application of legal frameworks including the Care Act 2014 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
This is not a simplified placement environment. Students work with patients from admission to discharge, take on key worker roles, chair discharge meetings, and liaise with external agencies. The MDT context means they also gain insight into collaborative, interprofessional working that is difficult to replicate elsewhere.
Student placements
Mildmay makes a positive contribution to training the next generation of social workers.
We have been supporting students for many years, enabling them to experience working in a specialist environment within a multidisciplinary team. Students apply via their educational institution. If you are a student or course coordinator and would like to discuss a placement, please get in touch.
Students at all levels are welcome to support their learning. We offer you the real-life experience of working with service users at a pace suited to your learning needs, ensuring support is available to help you in your learning journey.
The presence of a multi-disciplinary team means that students also have the opportunity to work with and learn from other professionals.
If you are seeking a social work placement in an exciting and challenging clinical environment, in the first instance, please contact Mildmay's Lead Social Worker, Beverley Nelson:
Find out more about placements and electives
Student testimonials
October 2024 - April/May 2025
Gloria
As I reflect on the completion of my 100-day placement at Mildmay Hospital, I can truly say that it has been an impactful and transformative experience.
This placement provided me with a practical understanding of hospital social work in a rehabilitation setting, offering invaluable opportunities to expand my knowledge, refine my skills, and build confidence as I continue my journey as a social worker. From day one, I was welcomed and treated with respect as an integral part of the multidisciplinary team. Despite being a student, I was consistently valued and included in team discussions and decision-making processes, which greatly contributed to my professional development. The opportunity to collaborate with doctors, nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals gave me a comprehensive understanding of how multidisciplinary collaboration and integrated care contribute to better patient outcomes. One of the most rewarding aspects of this placement was working directly with patients. I had the privilege of building trusting relationships, offering emotional support, and advocating for their rights and needs. These interactions reinforced the profound importance of empathy and the power of a person-centred approach. Each patient I encountered brought a unique narrative, and I consistently strived to meet them where they were, emotionally and physically, ensuring that their voices were heard and their dignity upheld. Throughout my time at Mildmay, I was actively involved in key areas of social work practice, including discharge planning, liaising with external agencies, participating in training and development, and engaging in multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings. This allowed me to collaborate closely with the MDT and contribute to comprehensive patient care. These experiences deepened my understanding of the complexities of hospital discharge and reinforced my awareness of how collaborative care practices lead to effective outcomes. I also gained a stronger understanding of the legal frameworks underpinning social work practice, particularly the Care Act 2014 and the Human Rights Act, which helped me better understand how to respect and uphold patients' autonomy, dignity, and rights in the face of vulnerability. This has strengthened my commitment to ethical practice. Another crucial learning point for me has been managing the emotional demands of working in a hospital setting. The challenges of loss, change, and navigating difficult situations were emotionally taxing, but they provided valuable opportunities for growth and self-reflection. These experiences have helped me develop a greater sense of emotional resilience, allowing me to provide compassionate support while maintaining professionalism. As a result, I feel more equipped to manage similar emotional challenges in the future, ensuring that I can continue to support patients and their families effectively, while also taking care of my own emotional well-being. The support I received from the team at Mildmay Hospital was instrumental in shaping my placement experience. I am especially grateful to my practice educator, whose constructive feedback, mentorship, and encouragement pushed me to reflect critically and step beyond my comfort zone. The guidance from every team member I worked with enriched my learning, and I am deeply appreciative of their patience and support throughout my placement. As I conclude my time at Mildmay, I leave feeling better prepared for the next stages of my social work journey. I carry with me not only new knowledge and skills but also a renewed sense of purpose and dedication to the profession. I am more committed than ever to advocating for and supporting vulnerable individuals, and I look forward to applying the lessons learned in my future practice. I am truly grateful to everyone at Mildmay Hospital for fostering such a supportive, collaborative, and empowering learning environment. This experience has had a lasting impact on me, and I will continue to carry its lessons and insights with me as I move forward in my social work career.
Malina
During my 100-day placement at Mildmay Mission Hospital, I had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the complexities of health and social care, particularly for 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. I was determined to develop my skills in assessing patients' needs, collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams, and taking on leadership roles to enhance the quality of care provided. Throughout my time at the hospital, I gained valuable insight into the process of needs and risk assessments, applying the Care Act 2014 to ensure each care plan was tailored to the unique circumstances of the patient. I worked closely with the Mental Capacity Act 2005, ensuring that decisions were made with the patient’s best interests in mind, particularly for those with impaired decision-making abilities. I also embraced leadership opportunities, such as chairing discharge meetings, where I coordinated multi-agency care plans and ensured seamless transitions from hospital to community care. These meetings allowed me to liaise with housing providers, social workers, and healthcare teams to ensure that all aspects of the patient's needs were addressed. Being entrusted with the role of key worker for a specific case further honed my skills in communication and care planning. I worked directly with the patient and their family to craft comprehensive care plans, ensuring that every decision was collaborative and reflected the patient’s needs and aspirations. This experience strengthened my ability to work effectively with a diverse range of individuals, fostering trust and understanding. Additionally, collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to manage patients with complex, interconnected health conditions gave me invaluable insight into the importance of holistic support in improving patient outcomes. This placement has been transformative for my professional growth. It not only enhanced my understanding of legal frameworks, such as the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act, but also strengthened my ability to conduct risk assessments, apply safeguarding procedures, and think critically in complex situations. The leadership and communication skills I’ve developed, along with my newfound confidence in working within a multi-disciplinary environment, have deeply enriched my social work practice. I leave this placement with a heightened sense of competence and a clear understanding of the essential role social work plays in healthcare settings.
Feedback from students
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“Thank you for taking your time to support and teach me during my time at Mildmay”
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“It has been an incredible experience working with you, you are so multi-skilled and resourceful and shown me so much support over the past few months and I am grateful”
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“I just want to thank you for everything you have done for me this year. I started shy and nervous and now I’m leaving feeling confident and excited for the future”
What other professionals say
Homeless Health Lead Nurse
Out of hospital care
Central London Community Healthcare
"Hey Team,
I just wanted to pass on some feedback from two patients today.
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Patient has said they are grateful, finally feels safe and appreciates the warm and friendly welcome to your hospital.
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Patient said the team were great, and they loved their time spent at the hospital (they didn't want to leave!)"
🙂
Head of HIV Community Services
Wembley Centre for Health and Care
"Dear Beverley and the whole team at Mildmay,
Good morning. A note to send you our warmest appreciation for all the care and support with J____. He has attended our community Clinic today and has settled well so far. He has also asked me to say thank you to you all for all the care and attention he received.
Wishing you all a good day
Kind regards"
S____
More student testimonials
2023
Jamie
My name is Jamie, and I am studying for an MA in Social Work at London South Bank University.
I chose to study social work after working in mental health support during and after the pandemic. I was able to see the positive impact that a good social worker could have on someone’s quality of life, and I was inspired to work as a social worker supporting adults.
I look forward to completing my final placement at Mildmay Hospital because there are opportunities to improve my skills in assessment, relationship-building and anti-discriminatory practice. I have the chance to work closely with a skilled multi-disciplinary team, and I am looking forward to benefiting from their experience and input and, in return, feeding my ideas back into the organisation.
Ramona
"I am a final-year Social Work student at the University of East London and have recently completed my 100-day placement at Mildmay, I can say I have undoubtedly learnt so much! I have had the opportunity to be a part of a multi-disciplinary team and recognise and acknowledge each professional's role. The team at Mildmay have been fantastic no questions ever went unanswered, and the support was unwavering."
After completing their 100-day placement, Ramona gave us some brilliant feedback:
2022
Lawrence
"My name is Lawrence Bimenyimana, a third-year BA student at London South Bank University.
I chose to study social work due to my experience with social work services growing up. I once lived in shared accommodation where social workers supported us in all aspects of life. This intrigued me to study social work and give back to the community. The best thing about my placement at Mildmay Hospital is the warm welcome and acceptance of the team as well as the diverse learning opportunities available. The most challenging experience is seeing patients leave after discharge and breaking that working relationship and rapport with them, never to see them again. However, that’s part of the work I- have to learn and accept it. I would like to continue experiencing the great working relationship with the multidisciplinary team at Mildmay Hospital and utilise the learning opportunities that arise to improve my knowledge."
Ian
"My name is Ian and I am currently studying for an MA in Social Work at the University of East London, on placement at Mildmay.
I was drawn to social work as I wanted to find a job where I could work with people to help them. Mildmay has offered me a great opportunity to start my journey. I want to work with vulnerable adults and the different pathways patients at the hospital are on mean I am working with people requiring support and guidance in a wide range of ways. My most challenging experience so far has been working with a patient to help them move from street homelessness to a hostel. It made me appreciate the difficulties involved when coordinating this for people in complex situations. Tackling the homeless crisis is a cause I am passionate about. Gaining greater experience working with those on the Homeless Pathway is something I am keen to do whilst at Mildmay. The team are incredibly friendly here and it’s been really interesting learning from the specialist knowledge each person has!"
Investing in student placements is an investment in the future of society. We are committed to providing a nurturing environment where students can gain valuable experience and develop the skills they need to become compassionate and effective practitioners.
Support us
NHS contracts cover roughly only 90% of our costs. Only through charitable donations can we provide a comprehensive range of services that ensure the best outcomes for our patients, funding staff like our art therapist, housing officer, chaplain and volunteer coordinator.
Your support ensures these vital services can continue. Please consider donating today and help us empower patients on their path to well-being.