Discharge Coordinator

Job overview

This post is designed to support the Multi- Disciplinary Team by coordinating patient’s assessment in readiness for discharge.

The purpose is that the post will provide one point of contact for all disciplines supporting the patient through the inpatient journey; ensuring consistent real time information is given to those involved including that of the MDT and families.

The ward team remain accountable and responsible for planning the patient discharge, and the post holder’s key responsibility is to ensure that information is passed from one discipline to another to ensure concurrent assessments, which in turn mean achievement of discharge on the day it is planned and an earlier time of discharge leading to an improved patient experience.

Focusing on expediting patient discharge from hospital in an organised and timely manner, while focusing on the needs of patients who have been identified as requiring additional support in discharge planning, and identifying any delays in completion of diagnostic tests to medical teams at the earliest opportunity.

Provide a clerical service to the ward and ensure families and carers are kept up to date with their families journey within the trust as well as other members of the MDT and to liaise with other departments providing necessary notes and various patient information for medical and nursing staff, supporting the care of our patients.

Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.

Main duties of the job

• Work to the Trust values - Put patients first, Take ownership, Respect others, Be positive, Listen, learn and
• Adhere to Trust policies and procedures

• Maintain personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the job,

• Attend statutory, essential and mandatory

• Respect the confidentiality of all matters

• Comply with the Corporate Governance structure in keeping with the principles and standards set out by the

• Comply with the codes of professional conduct

• Ensure they are familiar with the Risk Management Framework, follow policies, procedures and safe systems of work,

• Ensure the welfare and safety of children

• Ensure they attend Child Protection training at the appropriate level within the specified time frame.

• Staff must comply with Safeguarding Policies and Procedures

• Maintain the prevention and control of infection and fully comply with all current Trust Infection Control policies and

Take responsibility for any records that they create or use in the course of their duties, in line with the Public Records Act and be aware that any records created by an employee of the NHS are public records and may be subject to both legal and professional obligations

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To discuss EDD’s with patient/ carers and communicate any concerns to the ward nurse responsible for coordinating the care pathway.
• Use the patients discharge checklist as a tool for coordinating the patient journey.
• Ensure that timely referrals are made to the disciplines identified by the ward nurse following identification of issues surrounding discharge.
• Liaise with patient regarding mode of transport home.
• Contact relatives/ care provider, on request of patient/ registered nurse coordinator to inform of decision to discharge from hospital.
• Book transport as directed by registered nurse coordinator based on patient care needs.
• Keep documentation up to date, ensuring records of all facilitated discharges are recorded.
• Ensure results or requested diagnostic tests are available for medical teams as soon as possible to enhance clinical decision making.
• Liaise with multi- disciplinary team re outcomes of assessments and ensure recommendations are communicated to other agencies in a timely manner. Ensure patients/ carers are aware of outcomes and further recommendations.
• Finalise arrangements at least 24 hours before discharge, ensuring that transport/ TTA’s                   are available ensuring minimal delay on day of discharge.

***Please note that applications from temporary workers who have been engaged with the Trust for a minimum of 3 months are welcome.

Available as a fixed term contract or secondment opportunity. (With current line manager's agreement). ***