Discharge Coordinator

Overview

The post holder facilitates an effective, efficient and timely discharge of patients from hospital and hub beds, with particular emphasis on complex multi‑disciplinary assessments and case conferences for patients with complex health and social care, palliative care or rehabilitation needs. The role requires close collaboration with all members of the multidisciplinary team, patients, relatives and carers to ensure safe discharge to the most appropriate place.

Responsibilities

• Support the discharge process and identify patients for hub beds as a member of the multidisciplinary team.
• Assess and develop timely discharge plans, ensuring continuity of information upon transfer from acute to hub beds.
• Communicate effectively with patients, relatives, carers and all team members.
• Encourage family and friends to be actively involved in the discharge process.
• Coordinate with other providers to proactively manage discharge plans for patients in acute and hub beds.
• Work with an out‑of‑hospital MDT to maximise patient independence and continue discharge planning.
• Act as a point of contact alongside a registered nurse for designated wards and hub beds, liaising with clinical teams as required.
• Record and input patient data onto multiple IT systems.
• Prioritise discharges under the direction of senior nurse teams on a day‑to‑day basis.
• Plan and provide therapeutic activity programmes for patients within the framework outlined by occupational therapy and physiotherapy.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and contribute actively to patient discharge planning.
• Develop and maintain effective interpersonal relationships with all team members to foster collaborative, holistic care.
• Communicate factual information to patients and staff and persuade patients to cooperate with rehabilitation programmes.
• Maintain required records and documentation following local policies.
• Work flexibly and under pressure, adapting to a fast‑paced environment.
• Assist with ensuring flow through and 100% occupancy of hub beds.
• Implement treatment plans, assess mobility, issue appropriate equipment and advise patients/carers on safe use.
• Accurately document and report to a registered nurse and multidisciplinary team, updating changes.
• Arrange case conferences and liaise with multiple agencies involved in patient care.
• Evaluate and adjust discharge plans regularly in collaboration with the MDT.
• Monitor patient comfort and report concerns to senior nurse team and other agencies.
• Ensure appropriate liaison and follow‑up at all levels prior to patient discharge, including family members.
• Respond to changing patient signs with initiative.
• Provide practical and teaching knowledge at NVQ3 level equivalent.
• Work with duty matron/sister, ops and discharge nurse team to facilitate effective patient flow and meet 4‑hour ED targets.
• Coordinate discharge plans to encourage transfer, discharge, or movement to the discharge lounge by 10:00 am.
• Identify internal discharge delays and work with nursing staff to unblock them.
• Encourage nursing staff to send Section 2s and 5s promptly.
• Facilitate transport arrangements and liaise with pharmacy and medical teams for TTOs.
• Manage own daily work tasks in conjunction with senior nursing team.
• Assist senior nursing team with ward‑based training and provide 7‑day cover where identified.
• Participate in formal and informal performance reviews and appraisal with line manager.
• Support less experienced staff and provide informal education on discharge functions.
• Follow Trust and departmental policies in all aspects of the role.
• Collect data for surveys, audits and clinical research under appropriate methodology.
• Identify training needs and facilitate learning for self and others.

Required Qualities and Experience

• Knowledgeable about health care issues.
• At least 12 months experience as a Band 2 or 3 Clinical Support Worker in a clinical setting.
• Excellent communication and IT skills.
• Ability to prioritise and manage own workload effectively.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to cope under pressure and to work flexibly.
• Awareness of confidentiality, limits of role and standards of conduct.

Desirable Criteria

• GCSE (or equivalent) passes in Maths and English.
• Practical knowledge of the discharge process.
• Positive, enthusiastic character.
• Evidence of delivering a high standard of care.
• Self‑awareness and ability to accept constructive criticism.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently.
• Team working skills.
• Belief in patient‑centred philosophy.
• Flexible working pattern, including weekend work.
• Professional appearance and pleasant personality.

Legal and Safety Information

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties. This position is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) and the Order 2020. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will therefore be required to ascertain no previous criminal convictions.

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