Part I. Key issues in hospital social work -- Hospital social work in context -- A brief history of hospital social work -- The current state of hospital social work -- Using research in social work -- Part II. An ethnographic account of hospital social work -- Social work in the 'iron cage' -- Is it still social work? -- The social work 'cuckoo' in the hospital 'nest' -- Conclusions.

"Critical Hospital Social Work Practice sheds light on the fast-paced, high pressure role of the hospital social worker. At a time of public concern over the state of the NHS and the needs of a growing older population, the hospital social worker's job is more important than ever. Yet, it is poorly understood and often overlooked by policy makers, managers and other professionals"-- Provided by publisher.

OCLC-licensed vendor bibliographic record.