Social services and welfare rights department
Our social services department is available to patients and facilitates a safe and timely discharge back into the community. This includes work around care packages, care home placements, and providing assistance and advice to those with accommodation or benefit needs.
Social workers at our hospitals
The social workers at Royal Brompton are employed by the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea whereas the social workers at Harefield Hospital are directly employed by the NHS.
Referrals
All adult referrals should originate through ward staff via fax to 02073518061. Section 2 is the first referral stage (notification of services needed- at least 48 hrs pre-discharge) followed by Section 5 (notification of imminent discharge- at least 24 hrs pre-discharge).
These referrals are then screened and disbursed through to the hospital-based team or / and through to the local social services for the out-of-borough referrals.
Royal Brompton Hospital
Social Work & Welfare Department
Royal Brompton Hospital
Fulham Wing
Mezzanine Floor
London
SW3 6NP
Phone: 0330 128 6522
Harefield Hospital
Social Work & Welfare Department Rehabilitation & Therapies
Harefield Hospital
Hill End Road
Harefield
UB9 6JH
Phone: 01895 823 737 ext. 5259
Fax: 01895 828 819
Social services where you live
Though we have social workers at both our hospitals most of the support you receive will come via your own local authority.
If you would like to know more about local services in your community, you should contact your local authority. If you are unsure which is your local authority you can check using your postcode on the Directgov website.
The reception/helpdesk is the first line of contact for general social services information.
Useful links
For any benefit and other welfare-related queries please see the following websites: