Graduate Medical Education
House Officers' Manual |
Rhode Island Hospital &
The Miriam Hospital
Major teaching hospitals of Brown Medical School |
Support Services Available to Patients: Rhode Island Hospital Social Work Services
The Rhode Island Hospital department of clinical social work is available to all patients and families and provides counseling with regard to:
- Emotional and psychological distress
- Medical crisis and adjustment to illness
- Grief, loss and bereavement
- Difficult family or social situations
- End of life issues
- Complex psychosocial problems
- Abuse and domestic violence
- Explanation of advance care planning, including living will or durable power of attorney for health care
If patient or a family member would like to speak to a social worker, please call 401-444-5711.
Pastoral Care Services
Each person reacts differently during a time of hospitalization. Rhode Island Hospital has an interfaith department of pastoral care to minister to patients' spiritual needs while they are hospitalized. The services are designed to accommodate the diversity of faiths and spiritual outlooks that patients and staff members bring to the hospital. More than 95% of patients at Rhode Island Hospital are visited by a chaplain at least once during their hospital stay. The chaplains advisory group includes the department coordinator, an interfaith chaplain, a rabbi, an Episcopal chaplain, a Protestant chaplain for Spanish-speaking patients, an imam, a representative of the Rhode Island State Council of Churches and the director of Interfaith Health Care Ministries. In addition, the hospital provides two interfaith chapels for quiet and reflection: on the first floor near the lobby of the Main Building and in Hasbro Children's Hospital's upper lobby. To request services, please call 401-444-5108.
Interpreter Services
Because many of our patients do not speak English or are hearing impaired, interpreter services are available. All patients have the right to use an interpreter at no cost. Trained interpreters ensure that critical medical information is translated accurately and clearly. Our interpreters work closely with physicians, nurses and staff to not only translate words and explain concepts, but to also manage and understand cultural differences.
At Rhode Island Hospital, interpreters of the following languages are available:
- Armenian
- Arabic
- Cambodian
- Cape Verdean Creole
- Laotian
- Portuguese
- Russian
- Spanish
- Thai
Spanish, Portuguese and Cape Verdean Creole interpreters are available in the Andrew F. Anderson Emergency Center from 5 to 9 p.m. Please call in advance to make arrangements or for information about languages that are not listed.
Telecommunication devices (TDD)
Telecommunication devices (TDD) for the deaf are located in the emergency department and in Jane Brown Nursing Administration. To request an interpreter, please call 444-8708. The interpreter services office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After hours, please call the operator at 444-5611 for assistance.
The Miriam Hospital
Interpreter Services
Interpreters are available to assist non-English speaking patients or to provide sign language to patients who are hearing impaired. Call 401-793-7811 (internally dial ext. 3-7811) between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. There is no charge for interpreter services. Telecommunications devices (TDD) are also available by calling 401-793-7811 (internally dial ext. 3-7811) or the hospital operator.
Clinical Social Work Services
A clinical social worker with a master's degree is available for crisis intervention and to help patients and families cope with illness. Call 401-793-2085 (internally dial ext. 3-2085). There is no charge for clinical social work services.
Chapel and Clergy Visits
There is a non-denominational chapel that is always open for meditation and prayer. It is located on the first floor, near the emergency unit.
There is an interfaith chaplain on staff at The Miriam Hospital. For a pastoral care visit, please call 401-793-5654 (internally dial ext. 3-5654.) \
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Manual: Section F |
