About us

The social work teams work closely with hospital staff and social services in the area where you live, to offer help with:

arranging any care you might need when you leave hospital
practical advice and information including how to access expert advice on a range of issues such as housing or immigration
emotional support for you and your family, friends and/or carers

If you would like to see a social worker or find out more about the help they can offer, please ask one of the hospital staff to refer you, by passing on your name and details to the Social Work team. Alternatively, you – or a friend/relative – can phone or visit the Social Work offices yourself (click here for details of where to find us). A social worker will contact you to discuss the ways that they can help.

If you think you may need help or advice from a social worker while in hospital it’s best to arrange this is early as possible. This will give us the time needed to make the necessary arrangements for your stay (click here for details of how to contact us).

Specialist social workers There is a specialist palliative care social worker based at the Royal London Hospital and one at Barts. Palliative care social workers are social workers who are trained to work with people with life-limiting illnesses such as cancer, end-stage heart and renal failure. We can provide emotional support for you, your family and friends if you have been diagnosed with a serious illness.

The Fast Response Team
The Fast Response Team is a team of social workers, nurses and occupational therapists who work with patients in the Accident and Emergency department. They offer assessment and support to try and prevent the need for some people to be admitted to the hospital.