Job Description

The Discharge Coordinator role focuses on expediting patient discharge from hospital in an organised and timely manner. The Discharge Coordinator works to consider the needs of patients who have been identified as requiring additional support in discharge planning, and to identify any delays in completion of diagnostic tests to medical teams at the earliest opportunity.



The Discharge Coordinator supports the Multi- Disciplinary team by coordinating patients' assessments in readiness for their discharge. The Discharge Coordinator will provide one point of contact for the wider team of healthcare professionals supporting the patient through the inpatient journey; ensuring that consistent real time information is shared with those involved, including the patient and the families/carers as appropriate.



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.



To discuss estimated dates of discharge with patient/carers and communicate any concerns to the ward nurse.

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 Registered 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 based on patient care needs.

Keep documentation up to date, ensuring records of all facilitated discharges are recorded.

Liaise with Ward Clerk regarding patient's discharge

Liaise with the multi- disciplinary team regarding 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.

Liaise with ward pharmacist to ensure prescription of TTA's are ready in timely manner

Ensure discharge lounge is used to its full potential and prepare patients for transfer.

Demonstrate excellent communication within the team and with patients both written, verbal and computer based.



We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

The jobholder must:

1. To discuss EDD's with patient/ carers and communicate any concerns to the ward nurse responsible for coordinating the care pathway.



2. Use the patients discharge checklist as a tool for coordinating the patient journey.



3. Ensure that timely referrals are made to the disciplines identified by the ward nurse following identification of issues surrounding discharge.



4. Liaise with patient regarding mode of transport home.



5. Contact relatives/ care provider, on request of patient/ registered nurse coordinator to inform of decision to discharge from hospital.



6. Book transport as directed by registered nurse coordinator based on patient care needs.



7. Keep documentation up to date, ensuring records of all facilitated discharges are recorded.



8. Inform Ward Clerk of patient's discharge and collect all patient documentation/ notes.



9. Ensure results or requested diagnostic tests are available for medical teams as soon as possible to enhance clinical decision making.



10. 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.



11. Finalise arrangements at least 24 hours before discharge, ensuring that transport/ TTA's are available ensuring minimal delay on day of discharge.



12. Liaise with ward pharmacist to ensure prescription of TTA's for those patients whose discharge is the same days is coordinated effectively and timely.



13. Ensure discharge lounge is used to its full potential.



For further details please see the attached JD & PS



14. Prepare patients for transfer to the discharge lounge, i.e. packing up patients personal property, removal of cannula etc.



15. Maintain the ward TTA cupboard.



16. Participate in the audit of discharge procedures.



17. Attend daily board meeting with Registered Nurse coordinator to discuss discharge plans with the multi-disciplinary team.