Social workers are an integral part of the health care team, helping patients and their families cope with the challenges and problems caused by illness or life changes. A Master's degree in social work is required for all the Barnes-Jewish Hospital social workers. There are currently more than 45 of these highly qualified professionals in the Case Management Services department, which also includes case coordinators and interpreter services. All social work services are available for Barnes-Jewish Hospital inpatients and clinic outpatients, as well as their families, at no charge.
As a patient at Barnes-Jewish Hospital you have specific patient rights and responsibilities. We want you to be aware of these rights and responsibilities to allow you to be well informed, participate in your healthcare decisions, and communicate with your healthcare team.
Services provided include:
Psychosocial Assessment - Social workers assist patients and families in identifying ways to cope with the psychosocial aspects of illness or injury.
Admission Planning - Social workers address problems that delay or interfere with admissions to Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
- Insurance
- Lodging
- Transportation
Advance Directives- Social workers support a patient’s right to participate in making decisions about their healthcare. They provide patients and families with information about advance healthcare instructions, including Living Wills, healthcare treatment directives and Durable Powers of Attorney.
Discharge Planning - Social workers assist in developing and implementing individual plans to assure your care continues after you leave the hospital. Contact social work when help is needed to arrange:
- Nursing home placement
- Rehabilitation placement
- Hospice care
- In-Home community services
Community Resources - Social workers have detailed knowledge of available resources to help with such problems as:
- Housing
- Employment
- Legal issues, such as guardianships
- Finances
Crisis Intervention and Counseling - Social workers provide individual, marital or family counseling when illness or injury may cause any of the following:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Family conflict
- Stress
- Bereavement
- Changes in physical or mental capabilities
Support Groups - Social workers facilitate support groups for patients and families facing specific illnesses. These provide education, support and ways to cope.
You may contact a social worker by asking a physician, nurse or other hospital staff member for a referral, or stopping by the Case Coordination/Social Work Office, main level of the south campus.
To speak with a Barnes-Jewish Hospital social worker, please call the Case Management Services Department at 314-362-5574.