JOB DESCRIPTION: Discharge Co-Ordinator

JOB DESCRIPTION: Discharge Co-ordinator

ACCOUNTABLE TO:In – patient Unit Manager

RESPONSIBLE FOR:Effective planning and co-ordinating patient’s discharge

OVERALL PURPOSE:

The post holder will be responsible for ensuring the effective, efficient and safe discharge of patients from the hospice. The post holder will act as a resource to the multi-disciplinary team including the social worker for all issues relating to patient discharge /transfer from the hospice /nursing home.

The post holder will evaluate the patient, carer and professional experience of the discharge procedure and act on the findings, to improve the patient experience.

The post holder will provide training within the hospice on discharge procedures and other related topics.

The post holder will represent Trinity Hospice and Palliative Care Services on all matters related to discharge.

The post holder will produce clinical data/reports that reflect activity in relation to discharge.

Clinical

Promote and support individual’s rights and choice of place of discharge, i.e. considers advance care planning and preferred place of care.
To provide expert knowledge and relevant information for patients/carers and the MDT on all issues relating to discharge, acting as advocate where necessary.
To ensure safe and effective discharge /transfer of patients from the hospice, particularly those with complex discharge needs.
To support the In-patient Unit Manager in reviewing discharge policies and pathway documentation.
To provide training internally to in-patient unit staff and other members of the MDT in relation to discharge processes.
Liaise with the Multi –disciplinary team, families and/or carers to enable patients discharge wishes as identified in their preferred place of care to be facilitated as far as possible by promoting patient carer involvement.
Record accurate data in patients notes and on System One, upholding Information Governance requirements and patient confidentiality
Ensure effective communication between all members of the MDT involved with the discharge, including the hospice Social Worker and external Social Workers.
Undertake audits to moniker level of completion and content of discharge documentation and initiate appropriate actions based on the results.

Managerial

Ensure comprehensive discharge support across the hospice.
Support and advise MDT members on the progress of discharge/transfer arrangements for their patients
Uphold and develop effective relationships with partner agencies, e.g. Primary Care/ CCG’s/ Continuing Care/ North West Ambulance/ Social services on matters related to discharge.
Prioritise complex discharge issues, taking the lead but if appropriate in liaison with Sister or Ward Manager to facilitate a safe discharge.
Act as mediator for patients whose discharge becomes disputed, where required acting or arranging advocate for the patient.
To be aware of and advise on budgetary implications when discharging patients into the community, e.g fast track, continuing health care.
To prepare updates, reports and service reviews for line manager.
To facilitate and attend meetings at various levels both internally and externally
Identifies and acts upon any risks associated with the discharge procedure, escalating to line manager as appropriate.

Education

Advise on training related to the discharge to ensure that the MDT are both aware of and understand current legislation and local policies and procedures.
Participate in new staff induction programme with regard to the discharge process.
Ensure the service and its practice is evidence based.

Health and Safety

Ensure a safe working environment and be aware of the responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act, taking appropriate action in the event of an accident to patients, staff, self and any other person in the work place area.

This job description is not exhaustive and is subject to review in conjunction with the post holder and according to future changes/developments in the service

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION

DISCHARGE CO-ODINATOR STAFF NURSE

CRITERIA / E / D / METHOD OF ASSESSMENT

Qualifications

1. First level RGN. Registered with NMC / X / Certificate – PIN number
2. Evidence of continuing professional development / X / Professional development folder

3. Formal qualification in palliative care

/ X

4. Attendance at communication skills course

/ X / Certificate

5. ECDL or other basic IT competency qualification

/ X

6. Teaching/mentoring qualification

/ X
Experience
7. Interest in palliative care / X / Application Form/ Interview
8. Knowledge of multidisciplinary working / X / Interview
9. Awareness of end of life pathway tools / X / Interview

Personal Attributes

10. Committed to the vision, values and objectives of Trinity Hospice & Palliative Care Services

/ X / Application Form/ Interview
11. Pleasant warm personality with a kind and sympathetic attitude /

12. Positive attitude to change and flexible working practices /

/ Interview
13. Highly self -motivated and enthusiastic about the work of Trinity / X / Interview
14. Good organisational skills / X / Interview

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

15.Good communication skills both verbally and written

/ X / Application Form/ Interview

13. Ability to work within codes of professional practice

/ X / Application/interview
14. Ability to establish good working relationships and works well in a team of both paid and volunteer staff / X / Interview
15. Good level of IT skills (minimum required ability to log in, e-mail, check calendars & use word documents) / X / Application Form/ Interview
16. Able to physically carry out the duties of this role (see job description) / X / Application Form/ Interview
17. Able to follow instruction and also use own initiative / X / Application Form/ Interview
18. Willingness to learn new tasks, procedures or methods / X / Application Form/ Interview