Social Services & Special Programs

Social services are available to all patients and family members. Clinical social workers assess the psychological, social, environmental, and financial impact of illness and injury on patients and their families. They also provide services that assist our patients and their families in managing and adapting to illness and injury.

Telecommunications Services for Persons with Disabilities

Special telecommunications equipment is available for patients with disabilities. Please ask your nurse to coordinate the service with the UC San Diego Customer Service, Telecommunications department.

Bannister Family House

The Bannister Family House provides affordable lodging and supportive services for out-of-town families of patients who have come to UC San Diego Health System due to serious injury or illness. This hospitality house provides lodging, a communal kitchen, a library and laundry facilities. It is a haven of comfort and hope for weary families who share similar experiences and concerns in friendly, homelike surroundings close to the hospital.

If your family is interested in becoming a guest at the UC San Diego Bannister Family House, please contact your Social Worker for further information on eligibility

Recognizing Your Caregiver

UC San Diego Health System is proud of the quality of care provided to our patients. In turn, patients can honor their doctors or nurses with a charitable contribution. For example, the Patrons of Nursing scholarship fund, supported entirely with private donations, honors outstanding staff nurses by providing funds to help further their education.

If you would like to recognize the care you received from UC San Diego Health System, you can contribute to one of many such funds and help promote medical excellence. For information call (619) 543-6499.

You may also thank a staff member by sending him or her a note using our online feedback form.

Tender Loving Canine Visitation Program

The Tender Loving Canine (TLC) Visitation Program offers patients visits from specially trained pet therapy dogs. To request a visit, please call the Volunteer Services Office at 619-543-6370. We will schedule a visit for you as soon as possible. Personal animals or pets (a service animal is not considered a pet) are not allowed, with the exception of the pet visitation program in the Intensive Care Units. Please ask your nurse for more information.

To request a therapeutic visit, contact Volunteer Services at  619-543-6370.