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Social Work

When people experience health problems their lives may become disrupted, they may feel worried, fearful, stressed or a loss of control. Sometimes help is needed to cope with these feelings and other hardships that come about as a result of illness or hospitalization.

At The Ottawa Hospital, social workers meet with patients and their families to help with the adjustment to the life changes that often accompany health problems. Social workers provide counselling, community information, discharge planning services and referral to other agencies.

Social workers are assigned to patient care areas across all three campuses of The Ottawa Hospital, including the Cancer Centre and the Rehabilitation Centre.

There are over 100 permanently employed social workers who are graduates of a Masters level program in Social Work from an accredited University.  All social workers at The Ottawa Hospital are registered with the Ontario College of Social workers and Social Service Workers. 

A social worker is assigned to all programs in the hospital. From obstetrics to geriatrics and from cancer care to psychiatry, social workers are part of the health care team who can assist you in many ways.

A social worker as part of the health care team can provide counselling in the areas of:

• Adjustment to loss, illness and disability
• Emotional support to individuals and families
• Care giver support
• Financial support
• Marital and family therapy
• Grief counselling
• Support groups
• Crisis intervention

You don't need a referral from the doctor to see a social worker. Any one can ask to see a social worker in the hospital. Please speak to any member of the staff if you feel we may be able to assist you.