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Feeling Uncared For and Unheard

Posted By victorrr33

"Feeling Uncared For and Unheard"

About: Calgary Foothills PCN / Social Work

(as the patient),

I kept trying to explain my complicated, painful situation to a social worker and they kept giving me what I felt were glib answers that seemingly reflected deep ignorance of my condition. Also, it kept feeling like they were trying to change the subject. I felt absolutely humiliated. I am still upset about it days later because I thought social workers are supposed to act more caring — especially about people who experience multiple systems of oppression! In my opinion, they acted like they were basically just a human resource directory. I am very hesitant to see another social worker now. This experience has just added one more layer of burden to my life!

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Responses

Response from Leanne Kiss, Program Manager, Calgary Foothills Primary Care Network yesterday
Leanne Kiss
Program Manager,
Calgary Foothills Primary Care Network

Submitted on 2026-07-23 at 3:25 PM
Published on Care Opinion Canada at 3:25 PM

picture of Leanne Kiss

Hello Victorrr33

Thank you for connecting with us to share your experience with one of our Social Workers. We are so saddened to hear that you felt uncared for and humiliated during your appointment. It seems like you are going thru so much and that your situation is very painful and complicated, which must be very difficult for you. You want to feel heard and receive compassionate care that helps your progress, and we truly apologize for the way the interaction made you feel.

Our Social Worker role is to provide resources and to direct people to community supports that can assist them in their unique situations. I can understand how it must have been disappointing to you when the Social Worker was unable to provide you all the supports you required in the appointment itself. As a take-away we can discuss how we might better inform patients in advance of their Social Worker appointment about the role and supports they can provide, so that patients have a better understanding of the service.

I have passed along your concerns to Jackie Aufricht, who is the Program Manager for the Social Worker team. Jackie's contact is 403-701-5619 during business hours, Monday - Thursday between 8 am - 4:30 pm. Please reach out to her if you would like to discuss your experience.

Thank you again for sharing your story and we appreciate your courage in letting us know how the appointment felt for you. We encourage you to reach out if that would be supportive.

Kindly,

Leanne Kiss

Program Manager

Patient Engagement

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