QEH Social Work Fund

Behind every diagnosis is a person whose world has been upended—not only by the physical toll of illness, but by the emotional, financial, and logistical burdens that come with it. While chemotherapy, surgery, and hospital stays may be covered or planned for, the hidden costs of care often stand in the way of healing.

At the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the Social Work team is on the front lines of this struggle every day. In addition to providing counselling and addressing psychosocial needs, they serve as advocates, navigators, and problem-solvers. When formal systems fall short, they step in to seek emergency funds, coordinate access, and support patients through situations no one should face alone.

Now, QEH Foundation donors have the opportunity to help where no help exists—to meet crises not only with compassion but with meaningful, practical support.

As a clinical priority of the QEH, the Foundation is establishing a QEH Social Work Fund:
a designated rapid-response, flexible financial resource that empowers Social Workers to
meet urgent patient needs when time, health, and hope are on the line.

When Formal Systems Fall Short

Many patients are already overwhelmed—physically exhausted, emotionally drained, and surviving on reduced income or temporary benefits while dealing with illness. Often, they lack the energy, tools, or digital access to complete lengthy applications, print documents, or wait weeks for approval. In many cases, eligibility is based on outdated tax information that doesn’t reflect their current hardship. Some barriers are complex. Language barriers, cultural needs, or end-of-life realities leave patients without access to the small but essential supports that could make their care safer, more dignified, or simply more human.

Although Social Workers step in to bridge these gaps, they are constrained by a lack of flexible resources. Without immediate, targeted support, too many patients fall through the cracks, and the consequences are profound.

The Solution: A Dedicated Social Work Fund

This designated fund will give the QEH Social Work team the ability to respond with compassion, speed, and flexibility. It will support urgent needs not covered by provincial or national programs—needs that, if left unmet, can delay or derail care.

Examples of critical items and services for 2025-26:

  • Portable translation technology to enable real-time interpretation for patients and families.
  • from QEH, and family members of patients transferred to QEH from out of province.
  • Clothing for Emergency Department patients who arrive under duress and in need of clothing.
  • Travel support for emergent care.
  • End-of-life dignity initiatives that offer comfort and support in final moments.

The need is urgent and the gaps are real. With the right support, the Social Work team can be the difference between despair and dignity, between giving up and going on. Administered by the Social Work team, this Fund will be used ethically, responsibly, and with a deep understanding of each patient’s needs. No red tape. Just impact.