Who we are
The Department of Social Work combines the skills of licensed clinical social workers, baccalaureate-prepared social workers, and clerical support staff to assist patients and families with the challenges faced when dealing with a cancer diagnosis.
How we can help you
We connect patients with internal Roswell Park and community agencies and resources which can address the challenges you face during your treatment. Services offered include individual counseling, discharge planning when you are admitted to the hospital, placement in a skilled nursing or rehab facility after you leave the hospital, Hospice information and referrals, referrals for financial assistance, disability concerns, legal assistance referrals, intimacy concerns, transportation, lodging, and foreign language assistance.
You can ask to see a Social Worker at any outpatient visit or when you are admitted to the hospital. You can also call the department directly at 716-845-8022 to begin the consultation process — consultations are free and confidential.
There are several local lodging resources that offer a discount to patients and families seeking treatment at Roswell Park. These include guest houses, motels, and hotels.
Learn more about transportation services in Western New York that may be available to you during your time at Roswell Park.
Social workers can help patients and families during the treatment decision-making process by facilitating communication with the doctor, making sure patients understand their options, helping patients process their options, arranging and facilitating family meetings, and advocating for patients based on the decisions they make.
Cancer and cancer treatment can be physically demanding. Completing daily tasks may be harder due to fatigue or other treatment side effects. There are many levels of assistance that our social workers can help coordinate.
We are proud to serve a diverse community and treat patients from all over the world, and we are continually working to improve on our environment of equitable cancer care for our patients. IRIS, or Instant Remote Interpretation Services, is a portable interpretation service that will help your care team communicate with you directly
Interpreters, whether through IRIS or in person, are always available to you at no additional cost.
Contact us
The department is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is closed on weekends and holidays. Please contact us at 716-845-8022 for more information on beginning a consultation.