Job summary
To have responsibility for facilitating staff in the delivery
of safe, effective and timely discharge/transfer of patients from County Durham
& Darlington NHS FT into the community or other hospital facilities, where
cases have some degree of complexity.
To aid discharges from the hospitals smoothing the
transition from the hospital back into the community, in line with Trust Policy
by working with the multidisciplinary team (MDT), the patient and their support
networks.
To identify issues which may affect the patients
discharge home and work with the MDT and other agencies to resolve them.
To act as a central point of contact for discharge
planning acting as resource for knowledge of the discharge planning processes,
services available and how to access them.
To ensure referrals and formal notifications processed are
followed in an appropriate and timely manner.
To be responsible for the prioritisation and action of
cases using client centered principles to assist the multidisciplinary team and
plan a smooth timely and effective discharge from hospital care.
To contribute to the planning, development,
implementation and evaluation of discharge planning within County Durham
Main duties of the job
To promote the
correct implementation of discharge and ensure safe and timely discharge and
smooth transfer of patients.
Work closely with
Social Services and Primary Care Trusts and other local authorities, private
and voluntary organisations to ensure a seamless service, including working to
reduce delayed discharges.
To link closely with
other hospital sites to ensure effective use of beds.
To promote best
practice in achieving high quality discharge planning.
Handle complex issues with tact and diplomacy.
To support the
Discharge team staff in managing difficult discharges.
Work with a multidisciplinary team in order to effectively self manage a
complex, multiple caseload.
To apply knowledge
of the effect of disability and provide advice on discharge planning processes,
options/ services available.
To use knowledge,
training and experience to analyse, plan and implement discharge plans for
patients with complex physical, mental health and social needs.
Please see job description for full list of duties and responsibilities.
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.
Over reliance on
AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of
success.
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.
From April 9th 2025 - Healthcare assistants - You must have been employed for a minimum of two years
of as a HCA within the NHS for the Trust to consider
sponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria and
have a current visa expiring within 3 months).
Job description
Job responsibilities
To promote the correct implementation of discharge processes
throughout CDDFT to ensure safe and timely discharge and smooth transfer of
patients
Work closely with Social Services and Primary Care Trusts
and other local authorities, private and voluntary organisations to ensure a
seamless service, including working to reduce delayed discharges.
To link closely with other hospital sites to ensure
effective use of beds.
To promote best practice in achieving high quality
discharge planning
To use tact and diplomacy where there is dispute over
complex issues regarding leaving hospital and there may be disputes regarding
courses of action to be taken.
To liaise with relevant staff and agencies on a daily
basis to resolve daily operational issues and ensure discharges are managed
effectively.
To support the Discharge team staff in managing difficult
discharges.
To understand and apply the skills and knowledge around
complex needs and discharge planning, within a multidisciplinary context in
order to effectively self-manage a complex, multiple caseload. By applying
knowledge of skill deficits, components of self-care, productivity and leisure
to ensure that comprehensive holistic assessments have been carried out to
enable a smooth and effective discharge.
To apply knowledge of the effect of disability and provide
advice on discharge planning processes, options/ services available to
facilitate discharge and the roles and requirements of the multidisciplinary
teams.
To use knowledge, training and experience to analyse, plan
and implement discharge plans for patients with complex physical, mental health
and social needs.
Using knowledge and understanding to support staff from
across agencies in planning effective discharges.
To be able to use problem solving skills, to determine
appropriate actions and formulate specific and appropriate management plans.
To have a working knowledge of current
legislation, National Service Frameworks, clinical standards and national
policies in order to provide an effective discharge service..
Job description
Job responsibilities
To promote the correct implementation of discharge processes
throughout CDDFT to ensure safe and timely discharge and smooth transfer of
patients
Work closely with Social Services and Primary Care Trusts
and other local authorities, private and voluntary organisations to ensure a
seamless service, including working to reduce delayed discharges.
To link closely with other hospital sites to ensure
effective use of beds.
To promote best practice in achieving high quality
discharge planning
To use tact and diplomacy where there is dispute over
complex issues regarding leaving hospital and there may be disputes regarding
courses of action to be taken.
To liaise with relevant staff and agencies on a daily
basis to resolve daily operational issues and ensure discharges are managed
effectively.
To support the Discharge team staff in managing difficult
discharges.
To understand and apply the skills and knowledge around
complex needs and discharge planning, within a multidisciplinary context in
order to effectively self-manage a complex, multiple caseload. By applying
knowledge of skill deficits, components of self-care, productivity and leisure
to ensure that comprehensive holistic assessments have been carried out to
enable a smooth and effective discharge.
To apply knowledge of the effect of disability and provide
advice on discharge planning processes, options/ services available to
facilitate discharge and the roles and requirements of the multidisciplinary
teams.
To use knowledge, training and experience to analyse, plan
and implement discharge plans for patients with complex physical, mental health
and social needs.
Using knowledge and understanding to support staff from
across agencies in planning effective discharges.
To be able to use problem solving skills, to determine
appropriate actions and formulate specific and appropriate management plans.
To have a working knowledge of current
legislation, National Service Frameworks, clinical standards and national
policies in order to provide an effective discharge service..
Person Specification
Special Requirements
Essential
- Self-motivated and able to motivate others.
- Excellent communication & interpersonal skills.
- Reflective practitioner.
- Ability to work in a busy and varied work environment and respond to change.
Desirable
- Be able to offer pastoral care to mentors and students when providing feedback on performance.
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Able to engage and build effective relationships at all levels.
- Understanding of the role of Discharge Facilitator.
- Able to work as part of a team.
- Knowledge and understanding of the need for confidentiality.
Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Good verbal and written command of English.
- Ability to act upon own initiative.
- Good communication skills both written and oral.
- Able to work under some pressure.
- Ability to show leadership
- Ability to plan own work.
- Ability to work calmly under pressure.
- Willing to take and record patient observations.
Desirable
- Knowledge of care and related procedures, clinical observations, relevant legislation.
Experience
Essential
- Computer skills.
- Ability to learn new skills.
Desirable
- Previous experience in caring for others in a healthcare setting.
Qualifications
Essential
- Minimum 3 GCSE's including English and mathematics or equivalent knowledge or experience.
- Relevant NVQ Level 3 or equivalent relevant experience.
Desirable
- Short courses relevant to undertake patient and clinical care duties.
Person Specification
Special Requirements
Essential
- Self-motivated and able to motivate others.
- Excellent communication & interpersonal skills.
- Reflective practitioner.
- Ability to work in a busy and varied work environment and respond to change.
Desirable
- Be able to offer pastoral care to mentors and students when providing feedback on performance.
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Able to engage and build effective relationships at all levels.
- Understanding of the role of Discharge Facilitator.
- Able to work as part of a team.
- Knowledge and understanding of the need for confidentiality.
Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Good verbal and written command of English.
- Ability to act upon own initiative.
- Good communication skills both written and oral.
- Able to work under some pressure.
- Ability to show leadership
- Ability to plan own work.
- Ability to work calmly under pressure.
- Willing to take and record patient observations.
Desirable
- Knowledge of care and related procedures, clinical observations, relevant legislation.
Experience
Essential
- Computer skills.
- Ability to learn new skills.
Desirable
- Previous experience in caring for others in a healthcare setting.
Qualifications
Essential
- Minimum 3 GCSE's including English and mathematics or equivalent knowledge or experience.
- Relevant NVQ Level 3 or equivalent relevant experience.
Desirable
- Short courses relevant to undertake patient and clinical care duties.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
Employer name
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust
Hollyhurst Road
Darlington
County Durham
DL3 6HX
Employer's website
https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
