Discharge Facilitator

Job overview

Exciting opportunities are now available for the position of Patient Flow Assistant. You will be able to work on your own initiative and seek help as required. You will be able to work across 7 days a week according to shift patterns.

You will be part of an integrated team who are the central point of contact for bed availability across the Trust and who ensure systems are in place for the effective flow of patients through the hospital, aiming to provide a high quality service and meet the trusts targets. Dealing with relatives, staff from other hospitals, and internal departments across the Trust is a key part of the role.

Any prospective candidates must come in to shadow a member of existing staff before attending an interview

Main duties of the job

To lead on co-ordinating the discharge or transfer arrangements of medically and therapeutically stable patients identified as medically fit for discharge within a designated area. The post-holder will participate in the assessment of after-care needs of clients and relatives/carers, contacting as required other members of the multidisciplinary team. The post-holder will independently co-ordinate the safe discharge and transfer of patients

As part of the Capacity Team work in close liaison with members of all areas across the hospital particularly the emergency assessment areas ensuring systems are in place for the effective flow of patients through the hospital aiming to provide a high quality service and meet Trust targets.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

1. Maintain confidentiality and manage information sensitively.  Demonstrate discretion and respect when communicating with patients, colleagues and other agencies.

2. Take an active role in the discharge of patients from their admission ensuring a high standard of care and communication at all times, demonstrating regard for the patients’ and carers’ physical, psychological, emotional and environmental needs. Lead on organising timely and effective meetings with patients, relatives and appropriate Health and Social Professionals

3. Communicate effectively with all members of the Multidisciplinary Team and other agencies, including Consultants, therapists, nurses, social work teams, other NHS, commercial and voluntary organisations.  Supporting and promoting teamwork generally through effective dissemination of information.

4. Maintain close liaison within a multi-disciplinary hospital environment. Establish and maintain productive working relationships within the teams and all other internal and external agencies as required. Ensuring ward managers are kept fully aware of actions taken in relation to discharge planning of patients under their care

5. Deal with complex information including co-ordinating difficult discharges or repatriations/transfers to and from other hospitals and departments. Ensure senior team members and bed capacity management team members are aware of any issues

6. Provide up to date information on discharge or repatriation arrangement for individual patients and any foreseen delays for the multidisciplinary team meetings.

7. Provide a contact point for relatives and patients dealing with difficult family/social dynamics and concerns. Be aware of culture, background and preferred methods of communication when dealing with patients and relatives/carers, and act in a manner ensuring privacy and dignity for patients.

8. Make contact within 24 hours of patient’s admission with relatives/carers and provide a telephone contact service for them.

9. Identify patients suitable for Step Down facility in conjunction with medical and social work staff and ensure all documentation is completed appropriately. Continue to monitor progress of patient journey and update the ward and Directorate Management.

10. Contribute to the monitoring and facilitation of discharge for patients classed as Delayed Transfers of Care under the Delayed Discharges Act ensuring that information is accurate.

ANALYTICAL AND JUDGEMENTAL

1. To use own initiative to problem solve and find acceptable solutions for all parties. Prioritising own workload to meet deadlines and demands of the service.

2. Be aware of and participate in risk assessment for the benefit of self, colleagues and clients, in line with the Risk Management Policy and Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.

3. Ensure the maintenance of accurate and efficient record systems, including paper and  computerised systems (PAS, Capacity Reports, EMS, SITREPS ensuring strict confidentiality of patient identifiable information.)

PLANNING AND ORGANISATION:

1. To ensure that bed capacity across the Trust is fully and appropriately utilised in an effective and timely manner

2. On daily basis, ensure actions taken from handover sheet are carried out to ensure that discharges are on target

3. To progress chase 4 hour breaches with the Emergency Department in accordance with national targets.

4. To initiate and act as facilitator to expedite the effective discharge/transfer of clinically stable patients to their appropriate destination thus avoiding any unnecessary delays and enable reduction in length of stay.

5. To take referrals for patients requiring admission from within the hospital or requiring transfers from other Trusts taking into account clinical need following advice obtained from the clinical members of the Capacity Team or other clinical staff as appropriate.

6. To make a positive contribution to multidisciplinary meetings, bring up to date information on the discharge/transfer status of all appropriate patients.

7. Liaise with residential/nursing homes regarding their timing of assessments for patients to return home.  Be present to facilitate this process and document the outcome

8. To undertake delegated projects or assignments and prepare reports for the Capacity Manager or other meetings, attending as required.

9. To deal with telephone, mail, e-mail and general enquiries regarding admissions, discharges and transfers by prioritising and ensuring that appropriate messages are relayed or appropriate action is taken, and to follow up issues were necessary.

10. Responsibility to ensure all paperwork completed and submitted for social work referrals, transfer to other hospitals, stepdown and community services.

11. Maintain and monitor ward outlier listings to facilitate medical reviews and ensure appropriate action taken, escalating when necessary

12. Attend daily capacity meetings when necessary and present updates in terms of capacity and patient flow as required.

13. Actively participate in the development of the Patient Flow Assistant role. Identifying how service can be improved for patients, carers and staff.

14. Take responsibility for own personal development to meet current and emerging role requirements

15. To undertake morning, evening and weekend working to support the capacity needs of the Trust.

PHYSICAL:

1. To access other areas of the Trust as required

2. Move light pieces of equipment and stationary around the office/base as required.

3. Daily transfer of patients as requested beds/trolley/wheelchair

4. Occasionally assisting with dressing of patient to facilitate discharge