Head of Patient Flow and Site Management

Job overview

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic leader to join our team as Head of Patient Flow and Site Management. This pivotal role will provide strategic direction and operational leadership for patient flow, site management, and bed capacity across our hospitals.

You will lead the Trust’s Patient Flow and Site Management team, ensuring safe, effective, and efficient patient pathways from admission to discharge. You will drive improvements in flow, reduce delays, and support delivery of national and local performance standards.

This post carries responsibility for overseeing patient flow, discharge processes, and hospital site coordination. You will work closely with clinical and operational teams to ensure that patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time. The role also involves shaping and delivering strategic approaches to flow and escalation, in line with national policy and local priorities.

A key aspect of this role is addressing and overcoming common challenges to hospital discharge, including delays due to complex care needs, coordination across services, and availability of community support. You will be expected to implement practical solutions that reduce length of stay, improve discharge planning, and enhance patient experience.

You will also be expected to drive a clear and ambitious vision for improvement-identifying opportunities to streamline processes, strengthen collaboration, and embed a culture of continuous learning and innovation.

Main duties of the job

Main duties of the role:

• Provide Trust-wide leadership for patient flow, site management, and escalation processes
• Develop and implement effective policies for bed management and complex discharge pathways
• Oversee the Trust’s Discharge Command Centre (DCC), ensuring safe and timely patient transitions
• Identify and resolve barriers to discharge, including social care delays, patient readiness, and inter-agency coordination
• Ensure systems are in place for escalation, site safety, and flow assurance across all hospital sites
• Work collaboratively with care groups to maintain high standards of patient-centred care
• Drive measurable improvements across safety, effectiveness, workforce, and financial outcomes
• Shape and deliver a strategic vision for patient flow and discharge excellence
• Communicate effectively across all levels of the organisation and negotiate solutions with internal and external partners to support timely discharge and flow

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

A full description of the role is available in the attachment: job description.

Please note that if a high number of applications are received this advert may close early. You are advised to submit you application at the earliest opportunity

Working for the Trust

Across our organisation, people are guided by values that were co-developed with staff: we are kind; we are open; and we pursue excellence. Our values play into our ambition to develop a more diverse workforce, truly representative of our communities.

We welcome applications from everyone, while working with our Staff Networks - including our Race Equality, LGBTQ+, Disability and Carers Networks - to increase the number of applications we receive from different backgrounds.  If there is anything we can do to make our application process more accessible to you, please contact: [email protected].

As part of seeking to become more inclusive, we will consider requests for flexible working from the start of your employment.  It may not be suitable for every role, but we will try and be supportive where we can.  We would encourage you to speak to the recruiting manager named within this advert to discuss any requirements you may have.

Armed Forces Friendly Employer

We are holders of the Gold Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, which is helping actively promote SaBRE - Supporting Britain’s Reservists and Employers.  This means that we have made a statement of intent to support all Defence personnel, including with applications for employment.