Hospitalization and illness can be a stressful experience. Everyday problems become more difficult to manage. The Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology at Hasbro Children's offers clinical social work services to help your family during this difficult time.
Clinical social workers are licensed professionals trained to help you and your family manage the emotional and social problems related to illness and hospitalization. Social workers can help your family manage problems that arise because of an illness, such as adjusting to the diagnosis, dealing with relationships and returning to work or school. Clinical social workers are available to discuss these issues and provide counseling services when needed. They are also informed about community services and can refer you to helpful agencies and other resources when appropriate.
If you are interested in pediatric GI social work services or have questions regarding adjustment to illness and/or access to resources, including insurance issues, please contact the social work department at 401-444-5711.
If you are hospitalized or in the clinic and would like to speak to a social worker, please have a nurse page a pediatric GI social worker.
By law, your communication with your social worker is protected and cannot be released without your consent. However, some information may be shared with your health care team in order to ensure all of your questions are answered.
Our social workers are available to you and your family to provide support and access to resources both in the hospital and in the clinic. They are available to assist you in communicating your child's needs and your concerns to the medical team, as well as communicating with your child's school to ensure he or she gets all of the educational services he or she is entitled to receive.
In addition to individual support services, social workers and child life specialists co-lead the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Patient Support Group. This group is available to all pediatric GI patients diagnosed with any form of IBD. The group provides a safe and supportive environment for IBD patients to connect with peers with similar conditions.
