A close up shot of Clare Bowley who is standing at a care desk chatting with a colleague who is seated. Clare has a blonde bob, blue eyes, has tortoise framed glasses on and a mask, and is wearing a pink sweater.
Clare Bowley credits her 34-year career in social work with helping her grow as a person and is grateful for the dedicated teams she works alongside at KHSC.
Credit
Matthew Manor

If we had to describe Clare Bowley in one word, it would be memorable.

But it’s not just one thing this social worker does that makes her iconic.

It’s everything she does — and has done since joining Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) 34 years ago — that leaves a lasting impression.

“Social work is challenging but also very rewarding. It’s a great profession where you can apply your skills in many diverse settings and make an impact.

“I think it’s very important to treat patients with dignity, respect and kindness. I’ve learned sometimes it’s the little things that matter most and are what people remember. I often think, ‘If this was my family member, how would I want them to be treated?’”

A wide shot of Clare Bowley who is standing at a care desk chatting with a few colleagues. Clare is taking notes in her black book. Clare has a blonde bob, blue eyes, has tortoise framed glasses on and a mask, and is wearing a pink sweater with her decorated KHSC lanyard on top.
Featured

34 years of caring ❤️

Bowley says the most rewarding part of her job is helping patients and families achieve their goals, improve their well-being and return home feeling healthier and hopeful.
A wide shot of Clare Bowley walking down a unit hallway wearing a mask. Clare is holding her black book and calendar. Clare has a blonde bob, blue eyes, has tortoise framed glasses on, and is wearing a pink sweater with her decorated KHSC lanyard on top.
Featured

34 years of caring ❤️

As part of KHSC’s social work team, Bowley helps patients find their voice, build on their strengths and navigate the challenges of illness and hospitalization.
A wide shot of Clare Bowley and another social worker not in focus, standing and chatting at a care desk with masks one. Clare has a blonde bob, blue eyes, has tortoise framed glasses on, and is wearing a pink sweater with her decorated KHSC lanyard on top.
Featured

34 years of caring ❤️

“Social workers are great problem-solvers,” says Bowley. “We may not have all the answers, but we’ll work with you to help discover solutions.”

Bowley cares… like, really cares. That’s why she makes such an impact with our Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU), and Obstetrics program.

Patients and families have called her a beacon of loving kindness. She’s admired by colleagues for her ability to stay calm in stressful situations.

Even the way she walks onto a unit with her black book, calendar and decked-out lanyard — which jingles with every step — makes people smile.

But most importantly, she’s known for her heartwarming approach to social work, making people feel seen and heard for the last three decades.

“Social workers provide a unique perspective. We look at the patient as a whole and in the context of their environment. We help them identify their strengths, find their voice as they navigate medical challenges and explore coping strategies to live with the impact of their illness or hospitalization.

“I’m inspired by my patients. I often see them at their most vulnerable and admire their ability to draw on their strength and resilience to get through what may be one of the most difficult times of their lives.”

A wide shot of Clare Bowley going over a blue patient binder with the charge nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Clare has a blonde bob, blue eyes, has tortoise framed glasses on and a mask, and is wearing a pink sweater with her decorated KHSC lanyard on top. The charge nurse has blonde hair which is tied in a ponytail and is wearing a mask and navy blue scrubs.
Featured

Iconic. Memorable. Compassionate 🌟

Families describe Bowley as a beacon of loving kindness, while her colleagues admire her steady support during difficult situations.
A close up shot of Clare Bowley’s decorated blue patterned lanyard, which features her KHSC ID badge and a number of pins like the Pride flag.
Featured

Iconic. Memorable. Compassionate 🌟

Bowley is known for walking through the halls at KHSC with her black book, calendar and colourful lanyard.
A wide shot of Clare Bowley standing outside the Pediatric unit and looking directly into the camera, smiling. Clare has a blonde bob, blue eyes, has tortoise framed glasses on, and is wearing a pink sweater with her decorated KHSC lanyard on top.
Featured

Iconic. Memorable. Compassionate 🌟

March is Social Work Month, a time to recognize compassionate professionals like Clare Bowley who is known for her calm presence and the compassionate care she provides.

She even credits the profession for helping her grow as a person.

“I love that I get to work with people from all walks of life. There are different challenges every day and I learn so much from my patients.

“I’m also very grateful for the teams I work with and admire their commitment. I would not be able to do this without them.

"We work very hard and do our best to support our patients in difficult situations, and it feels really rewarding when we are able to provide support to help people achieve their goals, improve their well-being and be healthy and successful at home.”

March is Social Work Month, and we’re so fortunate and proud to have passionate social workers like Bowley on our team.

Join us as we thank every single KHSC social worker for their dedication and commitment to our patients and families and for the compassion they show them each and every day.

Bowley says it best, “Social workers are great problem-solvers. We may not have all the answers, but we’ll work with you to help discover solutions.”

This is the place where people are transforming care.

Thousands of different people come together and make KHSC a great place to work. We're a team on a mission to transform care, together.
Learn more