Job overview
The role of the Discharge Liaison Practitioner is to support Ward Sisters in delivering a high-quality, patient-focused experience by providing flexible, reliable administrative and operational support. This includes assisting nursing teams in maintaining accurate discharge records and ensuring that discharge processes are safe, effective, and completed in a timely manner, thereby supporting the reduction of patient length of stay.
The role requires excellent interpersonal, communication and organisational skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams. The Discharge Liaison Practitioner will support Ward Sisters in maintaining effective relationships with key stakeholders, including senior staff, medical and nursing teams, allied health professionals, patients and their families, as well as social services and primary care providers.
Main duties of the job
The Discharge Coordinator will play a key role in facilitating safe, effective and timely patient discharge, with a clear focus on reducing avoidable delays and length of stay. The post holder will work proactively with the multidisciplinary team, including ward staff, discharge lounge, Site Practitioners, allied health professionals, and external partners such as Social Services, Primary Care and GPs, to ensure robust and co-ordinated discharge planning from admission through to discharge.
The post holder will ensure that patient journey boards/whiteboards are consistently accurate and up to date, proactively identifying and escalating any potential delays that may impact discharge pathways. They will take ownership of monitoring discharge progress, supporting early identification of barriers and driving actions to mitigate delays.
In supporting the effective running of the ward, the Discharge Coordinator will undertake key administrative and coordination tasks that directly contribute to safe and timely discharge. This includes completing and maintaining discharge planning documentation, liaising with external agencies, coordinating with families and carers, arranging transport, and working closely with therapy teams such as occupational therapy and physiotherapy to ensure all discharge requirements are met without delay.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
To view the main responsibility, please see the attached the Job Description and Person Specification.
Person specification
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Previously worked as administrative assistant / ward clerk / personal assist within a busy environment
- Communication at all levels; Organising own workload; Working within a team.
- Ability to handle complaints and deal with them sensitively and assertively
Desirable
- Knowledge of NHS IPR systems (ICE, Cerner)
- Knowledge of Medical terminologies and workflows
Education and qualifications
Essential
- GCSE or equivalent standard of education (with a pass in GCSE English Language or equivalent
- Diploma/NVQ Level 3
- Can demonstrate analytical skills
Desirable
- Previous work experience
Skills, abilities and attributes
Essential
- Excellent communication skills in oral and written format, the ability to communicate effectively and professionally at all levels.
- Practical IT skills, including use of Word, database input, Internet and E-mail.
- Practical experience of being involved in the safe discharge of patients including Discharge check lists, Social service referrals, district nurse referrals and transport requests.
Desirable
- Knowledge of medical and NHS terminology and of the NHS National Targets.
- Proactive coordination with multidisciplinary teams
WhatsApp job alerts
Get instant WhatsApp alerts for Medical Secretary roles in Harrow
Create your Job Clerk account first. We'll collect your alert preferences during onboarding and help you turn on WhatsApp notifications for matching healthcare roles.
Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Discharge Coordinator with London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust in Harrow, London, England. It is listed as a Administrative and IT role. The advertised salary is £33262.00 to £36027.00. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 10 Aug 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (27 Jul 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
For more context, review related Job Clerk pages for the same profession, band or location where they exist, then use the application-support guides to tailor your statement and prepare for interview.