Social Services/Social Work
At University Hospital, social workers are an important part of your transplant team. Our social workers are professionals with the knowledge and understanding to provide psychosocial services to children, adults and families experiencing the difficulties associated with illness, hospitalization and outpatient care related to transplantation. They recognize and respect the psychosocial, spiritual and cultural values and beliefs of patients and families. Social workers believe that their service delivery is enhanced through participation in strong collaborative multidisciplinary team approach.
Once you are referred to the transplant program at University Hospital you will meet one of our social workers as part of the initial evaluation process. During the evaluation process, you and your caregiver will meet with a social worker who will assess your psychological and social wellbeing and identify any barriers to a successful transplant that may need to be addressed further. Topics discussed will include a patient’s family and social support, family dynamics, caregiver role, transplant process and expectations, work and educational history, coping skills, psychiatric, substance abuse & legal history.
Once you have completed the evaluation process and your coordinator informs you that you are listed, our University Hospital social workers are here for you to provide a wide range of support and resources.
As a transplant candidate, your social worker is available to you to work on any pre-transplant arrangements either in person during a clinic visit or via telephone.
Once you are called to come in for your transplant, our social workers will work with you, your caregiver and the other team members to ensure all needs are met for a successful transplant outcome.
After transplant, our social workers will continue to be available to you to address concerns, issues, & questions that arise as well as arranging for home health and equipment needs.
Remember our social workers are here for you regardless of how long ago you received your transplant. They offer a variety of services such as:
- Finding resources for obtaining medications, funding resources & benefits information.
- Medication assistance such as UHS MAP) You should NEVER go without your medications.
- Brief counseling (regarding diagnosis, treatment, coping) or referral to counseling
- Resources for lodging and Transportation for out of town patients
- Crisis intervention
- Assistance with Powers of Attorney
- Referral services to community agencies
- Support Groups - Download 2008 Schedule
Ask our social workers about these and other important resources:
- UH Transplant Support Group and other regional support groups
- Medical Transportation Program
- Ronald McDonald House for pediatric patients and their family
- Texas Kidney Health Care
- American Kidney Fund
- Transplants for Children
- National transplant fundraising organizations
- Medicare
- Social Security
- Food Stamps, TANF, and other state program referrals
- Meals on Wheels
- Home Healthcare & Provider Services referrals
- Spiritual Care
Our social work staff is available to assist & answer your questions Monday through Friday by calling (210)567-5777.
Hortensia Tellez, LMSW
Ryan Pflipsen, LMSW
Bill Raynolds, LMSW
