Patient Key Worker

The Patient Key Worker role will primarily focus on providing a smooth discharge plan for each patient. The primary function of this role is to ensure patients and relatives are aware of the plan both in terms of interventions and expectations on discharge. Also, to highlight to all concerned, any problems that may become apparent that could affect a delay in discharge.
The post holder will facilitate the discharge pathway from admission, liaise with the wider multi-disciplinary team to ensure timely interventions are addressed along said pathway, and provide daily update to the ward sister and complex discharge team.
The post holder will also act as a conduit between the ward-based team and the discharge teams and in doing so will provide an extension of the discharge team based within the ward environment. The post holder will also be expected to liaise and work alongside the ward teams and Complex Discharge team, to assist and support the patients journey through the organisation ensuring good communication with patients and families.
- To ensure quality care and support service which enables patients to be supported throughout their care pathway
- To work in support of qualified staff and allied health care professionals in the assessment, planning, implementing and evaluation of the discharge pathways in conjunction with the complex discharge team.
- To assist the wider MDT in facilitating a safe and timely transfer out of the hospital environment for all ward patients.
- Patient and/or carer is aware of the expected date of discharge and is kept informed when this changes.
- Identifying and escalating any barriers to the patient returning home/ care home on the expected date of discharge.
- Liaise with care agencies/ care homes to clarify what the patients’ needs and capabilities were prior to admission.
- To support with the patients and families expectations about discharge destinations within the capability of partner agencies.
- Attend MDT and update notes and systems as appropriate.
- Document verbal instructions and discussions in regard to patient discharge pathway
- Any other requirements deemed appropriate by complex discharge team as commensurate to grade.
- To communicate effectively at all times within the team, other health care professionals and with the patient family, carers/visitors.
- Ensure high standards are maintained in a safe environment, which promotes equality and sensitivity for all individuals.
- Ability to prioritise workload daily and adapt as needed.

At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff
Our Mission is to provide outstanding care for people in ways which matter to them, and our vision is Dorset County Hospital, working with our health and social care partners, will be at the heart of improving the well-being of our communities.
The Patient Key Worker role will primarily focus on providing a smooth discharge plan for each patient. The primary function of this role is to ensure patients and relatives are aware of the plan both in terms of interventions and expectations on discharge. Also, to highlight to all concerned, any problems that may become apparent that could affect a delay in discharge.
The post holder will facilitate the discharge pathway from admission, liaise with the wider multi
- disciplinary team to ensure timely interventions are addressed along said pathway, and provide daily update to the ward sister and complex discharge team.
The post holder will also act as a conduit between the ward-based team and the discharge teams and in doing so will provide an extension of the discharge team based within the ward environment. The post holder will also be expected to liaise and work alongside the ward teams and Complex Discharge team, to assist and support the patients journey through the organisation ensuring good communication with patients and families.