"Your wings already exist. All you have to do is fly.. "
Introduction:
Ilse has 42 years of experience and expertise in the field of Social Work in Health. She is a very dedicated team player and advocates for the rights of the mentally ill. She is someone who values integrity, respect, and honesty.
Her genuine passion for people, experience and educational journey has shaped her to offer those who cross her path, with her compassionate and caring personality and commitment.
Mental illness has social and emotional implications for the patient, his or her family and the community. The Social Worker aims to work with the patient and family to help them cope as effectively as possible with their particular situation and to prevent the development of additional problems.
Social Work is the vocation that helps people to help themselves.
Short summary:
PRIVATE PRACTICE, From 1 July 2023.
WESKOPPIES PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL, Pretoria: 1 August 1990 – to 30 June 2023.
- Social Worker who has been working with adults on an in and outpatient basis with a variety of psychiatric diagnoses.
- Psychosocial assessments for the accused are referred to Weskoppies Hospital in terms of the Criminal Procedures Act.
- Developed a psycho-educational program, the SEE-SAW program, for the caregivers of mental health care users with the diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
- Developed a program for the utilization of animals for therapeutic purposes within the context of the psychiatric hospital. The program is still ongoing.
- Started a support group for mental health care users and their families at the Outpatient Clinic.
- Supervisor of students at different Universities (University of Pretoria, UNISA and University of Limpopo) and Social Workers.
- Chairperson of the Human-Animal Interaction Committee, from 1996.
- Member of different committees e.g., Friends of Weskoppies (volunteers), Training Committee, Motivational Committee, Community Outreach Committee, Committee for Sexual Awareness, Work Group for Substance Abuse, Employment Equity Committee and Management Committee at Social Work Unit.
- Coordinator of Training within the Social Work Unit.
- Guest Lecturer at the University of Pretoria to medical students, physiotherapy students, occupational therapy students and social work students.
- Member of the panel to select students for MA Degree in Health at UP for several years.
- Member of the panel working on specialization for Social Workers in Health under the guidance of the SACSSP.
- Member of the Bipolar Support Group in Pretoria and attended meetings at night.
NATIONAL CANCER ASSOCIATION, Cape Town: 1 August 1988- 31 July 1990.
- Worked in the hospice with terminal patients and their families.
- Did home visits to cancer patients and their families to assess their needs.
- Volunteer Coordinator in the Western Cape area. Coordinated training for volunteers.
SOMERSET HOSPITAL, Cape Town: 1 May 1987-31 July 1988.
- Worked in the Pediatric Section and Chirurgical Wards.
- Worked with HIV patients at the beginning of the AIDS pandemic.
- Supervision to a Social Work student from the University of Cape Town.
TYGERBERG HOSPITAL, Bellville: 1 December 1981 – 30 April 1987.
- Worked in the Renal Unit, part of the MDT evaluating patients for renal dialysis.
- Coordinated a group of renal patients to take part in the Transplant Games in Johannesburg and Stellenbosch.
- Supervised students at the University of Stellenbosch and Social Workers.
- Involvement with the Cape Kidney Association. Addressed different audiences on the Role of the Social Worker in the Health Sphere.
Practice Contact details:
Email: ilsevdwalt59@gmail.com
Contact Nr: 082 054 4438
Dr. Ilse van der Walt's area of expertise:
Psychosocial assessment
The Social Worker works from a holistic perspective to assess each patient’s circumstances – past and present. She consults with the family and contacts any other relevant role players. This collateral information is mostly very important for the doctor to make the correct diagnosis. Feedback is then given to the referring doctor to have an all-inclusive treatment plan. It is very important to establish strengths and risks and to be transparent. The Social Worker must always abide by ethical considerations and obtain informed consent wherever applicable.
Discharge planning
It is very important that discharge planning should start upon admission. If proper discharge planning is not done, the chances of the patients relapsing is very high. Patients feel protected while being hospitalized but must be empowered while being in the hospital to face the “outside world”.
Linking patients and families to relevant resources in the community
The Social Worker has a vast knowledge of resources that are available for different needs and can collaborate with the patient, caregivers, and other team members in this regard. Some patients must seek alternative accommodation or must be referred for long-term hospitalization or to a rehabilitation centre.
Psychoeducation for patients and families
The Social Worker can explain mental illness to patients and their families in terms that are understandable to them and provide literature to them to improve their knowledge. Once they understand, their compliance usually improves.
Utilization of animals for therapeutic aims
The Social Worker started the Human-Animal Interaction program at Weskoppies Hospital in 1996. She is aware of the therapeutic benefit of animals for patients with mental illness.
MDT
The Social Worker always respects the role of each member of the multi-disciplinary team. She or he should know the scope of practice.
Aftercare services
It is very important to remember that most psychiatric illnesses have long-term effects. The Social Worker can follow up after the discharge of a patient with either the patient or the family to take steps before a possible relapse.
Appointment of an Administrator
The Social Worker knows the process of appointing an Administrator via the Mental Health Care Act. This is applicable when a patient can no longer manage his/her estate because of a mental illness.
Achievements:
· Article in Plus 50 Magazine of October/ November 2023 on Mental health and quality of life.
· Shop steward of PSA Union 2020/2021.
· Khanyisa Service Excellence Awards Winner, 2017, Gauteng Province, Department of Health.
· Speaker at Social Work in Health Conference in Singapore.
· Publication of an article in a scientific journal after research was done.
· On TV, radio and in magazines about the Human Animal project at Weskoppies Hospital and about personality disorders and depression.
· Speaker at different Symposiums and Forums.
· Coordinator of a group of renal patients that participated in the Transplant Games (1984 and 1985)
Qualifications
Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work
A psychosocial educational program for caregivers of people diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
University of Pretoria
2015
Course in Life Coaching
Transformation Coaching Academy
2015
Magister Artium (Social Work) (Cum Laude) Specializing in Medical Social Work
Die benutting van diere om die maatskaplike funksionering van psigo-geriatriese pasiënte te verbeter.
University of Pretoria
1996
Certificate in Junior Management
Training Institute
1992
Part-time course in Personnel Management and Industrial Psychology at the Institute of Administration and Commerce
1983
Honours Degree in Medical Social Work
University of Stellenbosch
1981
BA Degree in Social Work
University of Stellenbosch
1977–1980
Dr. Ilse Van Der Walt's Audio Interview
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