Ophir Loyola Hospital holds III Social Work Symposium focusing on equity and social rights
The event discussed topics ranging from democratization of access to health to valuing and respecting the rights of the LGBTQIAPN population
On last Friday (16), Ophir Loyola Hospital (HOL), in Belém (PA), held the III Social Work Symposium of the institution with the theme "Management of Social Services in Health Assistance - Promoting Equity." The event featured a series of lectures given by professionals from the hospital's multidisciplinary team and guests, addressing fundamental topics for social action in the health sector. On the eve of the symposium (15), patients and collaborators of HOL were also treated to a playful show promoted by the institution, featuring musician Anderson Freitas Caldeiras, dancer Rolon Ho, and beauty care services.
The symposium reaffirms HOL's commitment to the continuous training of its multidisciplinary team, a reference in oncological treatment in the region. Throughout the event, topics were discussed that ranged from promoting equity in the hospital environment to valuing and respecting the rights of the population.
The technical and assistance superintendent of HOL, Dr. Cássia Watrin, also emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue between different areas of health, reaffirming the role of Social Work as an essential pillar in the pursuit of more humane, equitable, and inclusive care. "The work of social workers is essential for us to provide comprehensive care to the patient. These professionals operate on the front lines of welcoming, active listening, and guaranteeing rights, which makes assistance more efficient, ethical, and humane. Events like this strengthen practice and expand collective awareness within health units," she stated.
The social worker, especially in the hospital context, is essential in mediating rights and promoting access to various public policies. HOL's social worker and event speaker, Cristina Belém, highlighted the importance of ensuring equity in the field of oncology and palliative care, emphasizing the ethical and technical role of the profession.
"The demands of social work at HOL are broad, ranging from raising awareness among families in cases of abandonment to guidance for access to rights, such as the Continuous Cash Benefit (BPC). Therefore, it is essential to discuss these topics with professionals. This knowledge is necessary for equity to be realized within the Unified Health System (SUS)," she stated.
The symposium also reinforced the importance of social work in the care provided in treatments such as radiotherapy and in the processes of kidney and cornea transplants performed by the hospital. Social worker Mônica Sosinho, also a speaker at the event, highlighted the role of the profession as a link between patients and the multidisciplinary team.
"Social Work operates in mediation, intervention, and guaranteeing rights. Radiotherapy, for example, is aimed at oncological clinical treatment, while transplantation involves patients with chronic kidney diseases. In both cases, the social worker contributes to the success of the treatment, coordinating with doctors and other health professionals," she explained.
Among the topics addressed in the round tables, the appreciation of diversity and the strengthening of the rights of vulnerable populations stood out. HOL's occupational therapist, a trans woman and travesti, Bethanny Veronica, advocated for the inclusion and respect for the LGBTQIAPN+ population also within the hospital environment.
"Ensuring access to health for people in vulnerable situations should be a responsibility of society as a whole. Discussing this topic with the multidisciplinary team at HOL is essential. It is equally important to ensure that inclusion occurs in all spheres, including the presence of LGBTQIAPN+ individuals in various roles within the health sector," she emphasized.
Text: Davcid Martinez, under the supervision of Leila Cruz.
