Discharge Coordinator

This is a perfect role for recent graduates who want to get experience in an acute hospital setting and learn more about the NHS.

The Discharge Coordinator is a key role in the Hospital Discharge Service; working in a patient facing, ward based role at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, discharge coordinators work under the direction of the Ward Manager and in conjunction with ward multi-disciplinary team (MDT), they assist with the planning and implementation of patient discharge; as well as aiding general flow of patients through the hospital by:
Driving effective and timely transfer of patients from Royal Berkshire hospital to the most appropriate setting to meet their needs

Actively reducing the number of patients whose transfer is delayed from hospital

Effectively communicating with patients and their carers to encourage their engagement in discharge planning, ensuring they are involved from admission to the ward

Facilitating the planning and implementation of the patient’s discharge - with guidance from therapists as required,

Liaising with Doctors, Discharge Services, Social Services, CHC team, BHFT Community Teams and any other appropriate members of the multidisciplinary team to provide a proactive and continuous process of discharge planning

(In conjunction with the MDT) identifying and escalating concerns relating to discharge or factors that may cause a delayed transfer of care

Act as a ward based facilitator, who attends board rounds, patient / family / carer meetings liaising with representatives from social services and therapy services. The post holder must be proactive and show independent ability to take the lead in organising patient case conferences, family or best interest meetings.

Work with the ward Multidisciplinary team and Hospital Discharge Team (HDS) to deliver high quality discharge planning in keeping with the needs and wishes of patients and their families.

Foster a multi-disciplinary and multi-professional approach to discharge planning, including patient and carer engagement in their discharge process.

Monitor progress to ensure the discharge pathway developed by the MDT remains appropriate and on Escalate concerns when the planned discharge pathway deviates.

Provide information for patients and their family which is relevant, accurate and timely, meets their needs and is understood to enable them to make informed decisions regarding discharge plans.

Provide patients with discharge leaflets on admission.

Update the electronic patient record (EPR) with the Targeted Discharge Date (TDD), Discharge Referral paperwork dates and update the state of medical optimization for discharge (MOFD).

The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust operates an Equality of Opportunity and Diversity policy. The policy aims to ensure that no job applicant, employee or former employee suffers direct unlawful or unfair discrimination, or is disadvantaged by any conditions or requirements which cannot be justified.

You are required to take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and other persons who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work and to co-operate with the Trust to ensure that statutory and departmental safety regulations are followed.

For further details on the job role, please refer to the Job description and Person Specification attached.