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Overview

At The Ottawa Hospital, we understand that a new diagnosis, illness or hospitalization can be a very stressful experience. That’s why social workers are assigned to patient care areas across all The Ottawa Hospital campuses.

Social workers are professionals dedicated to addressing the psychosocial needs of patients and families as part of the health-care team. Social Work uses the social determinants of health (SDOH) as the framework for their practice. SDOH includes such things as social supports, employment, housing, income, gender and culture.

Our Team

All of the over 100 permanently employed social workers at The Ottawa Hospital hold a masters degree 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.

Our Services

As part of the interdisciplinary health-care team, a social worker can provide a variety of services:

• Support and resources in the event of catastrophic or chronic illness
• Assistance with coping with diagnosis, illness or hospitalization
• Support for family members
• Grief and loss counselling
• Crisis intervention
• Caregiver support
• Facilitation of family meetings/conferences
• Links to programs and services to address financial difficulties
• Community resource information and referral
• Support groups
• Discharge planning

You don’t need a referral from your doctor to see a social worker. Please speak to any member of the health-care team if you feel a social worker may be able to help you.

Other hospital Social Work Activities/Initiatives:

• Research
• Conference presentations & publications
• Mentoring
• University of Ottawa medical student tutoring
• Social Work Clinical Practice Awards
• Clinical supervision
• Social Work core competencies
• Student supervision
• Consent and Capacity Board of Ontario Mock hearings

Contact Us

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Last updated on: June 20th, 2017