A North East lecturer whose research helped shape evidence presented at the UK COVID-19 Inquiry has spoken of her pride at contributing to a national conversation.
Dr Carrie Phillips, programme leader for the MA Social Work course at the University of Sunderland, completed her PhD earlier this year after four years of study focused on the role of social workers in supporting hospital discharge patients.
Findings from her research were referenced in evidence submitted by the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) to the UK COVID-19 Inquiry—a national investigation examining the UK’s response to the pandemic.
Dr Phillips said: "It feels significant to be able to offer evidence to support the concerns presented by BASW to the COVID-19 Inquiry.
"There are so many lessons that can be learned from the pandemic, for future emergency planning, and the role of social workers is a small but vital part of that puzzle."
Her research was summarised in collaboration with BASW from April to December 2024 and cited in the organisation’s formal witness statement to the Inquiry.
BASW used Dr Phillips’ work to highlight the decline in hospital-based social workers since the pandemic—a trend the association argues puts patients’ long-term independence and well-being at risk.
Dr Phillips said: "As a social worker most of my work was with people who had brain injuries, long-term illnesses or conditions such as dementia, so I worked a lot alongside nurses and spent a lot of time visiting people in hospital.
"I became very interested in how social workers take a wide view of a person's life, family, and well-being, rather than just focusing on medical treatment.
"Social workers are often not employed by the NHS, but they play a really important role in supporting patients and families when there has been a life-changing illness or injury, helping them to plan what will happen when they leave hospital."
She emphasised that social workers have specialist knowledge of laws such as the Mental Capacity Act 2005, which protects the rights of adults to make their own decisions where possible.
Dr Luke Geoghegan, director of policy, research, public affairs and professional learning at BASW, praised Dr Phillips' work and academic achievement.
Dr Geoghegan said: "BASW is delighted for Carrie achieving her PhD, it is richly deserved.
"Carrie provided insightful research that helped curate our response in the COVID-19 Inquiry which will have an impact for future pandemic planning.
"Congratulations to Carrie."
Dr Phillips graduated on Tuesday, January 13 during the University of Sunderland’s winter graduation ceremonies held at The Fire Station.
She is now hoping to secure funding for a pilot study capturing patient perspectives on hospital social workers and is also working on a sensory garden project involving older people with dementia.
Dr Phillips was supported in her PhD by Dr Daniel Burrows of Cardiff University, Dr Lesley Deacon—her director of studies at Sunderland—and Dr Matthew Durey, senior lecturer in social sciences at the University of Sunderland.
BASW represents social work professionals across the UK and regularly contributes evidence to public consultations and inquiries, including the ongoing COVID-19 Inquiry and the Casey Commission on adult social care.
Share