Overview
THIS IS AN INTERNAL ADVERT OPEN TO EMPLOYEES OF THE RUH ONLY
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Discharge Lounge Team at the Royal United Hospital Bath as a Health Care Support Worker. The Discharge Lounge plays a vital role in supporting patient flow across the hospital by providing a safe, calm, and welcoming environment for patients who are awaiting transport home or transfer to a Community Hospital.
A positive patient experience is essential, as the Discharge Lounge is often the last impression patients have of their time in hospital. Your compassion, communication skills, and attention to detail will help ensure every patient leaves the RUH feeling respected, reassured, and well cared for.
The post-holder provides enhanced clinical and operational support within the Discharge Lounge to ensure safe, timely, and patient-centred discharge. Working under the delegation of the Registered Nurse, the Band 3 HCSW undertakes more complex tasks, exercises greater autonomy, and contributes to patient flow, documentation accuracy, and MDT coordination.
Responsibilities
- Patient Care and Clinical Support – Provide enhanced personal care; undertake delegated clinical tasks; recognise and escalate deterioration; support safe mobility; assist with nutrition and hydration.
- Discharge Coordination and Flow – Collection of patient from wards; support TTA readiness; update patient flow systems; liaise with transport services; communicate with wards and MDT; apply exclusion criteria.
- Documentation & Information Handling – Complete delegated documentation; ensure accuracy and confidentiality; support Datix reporting.
- Environment, Equipment & Safety – Maintain a safe, clean environment; perform equipment checks; support manual handling safety; assist in emergency situations.
- Communication & Patient Experience – Provide compassionate communication; support patients with cognitive impairment; manage expectations professionally.
- Professional Development & Service Improvement – Complete mandatory training; support induction of new staff; contribute to QI initiatives; participate in supervision and appraisal.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- NVQ Level 2 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent experience)
- Years of experience
- IT Skills
Desirable criteria
- Evidence of Work Experience
- Care Certificate or willingness to complete
- Evidence of work experience in a Discharge Lounge
Knowledge & Skills
Essential criteria
- Evidence of Knowledge/skills
- Effective Communication Skills
- Ability to work under pressure
Desirable criteria
- Relevant Training
- Very good Communication skills
- Evidence of IT training
Practical Scenario assessment
Essential criteria
- Scenario‑Based Assessment
- Skills Assessment
- Patient Safety & Clinical Judgement
Desirable criteria
- Experience of the scenario given
- Specialty skills
- Core Competency Areas to Assess
Values and Behavior
Essential criteria
- Demonstrates RUH values
- Compassionate, patient-centred approach
- Professionalism, reliability, and respect
Desirable criteria
- Calm under pressure and adaptable to rapid change
Additional information
Please note: due to recent changes in UK immigration and visa rules, applicants who do not currently have the right to work in the UK may not be considered unless an alternative right to work solution can be provided. Candidates requiring sponsorship should review the eligibility criteria on GOV.UK before applying.
Applicant requirements
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and may be subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020; a Disclosure check may be requested.
Application process and documents
This vacancy may close early if we receive a high number of applications. We strongly encourage you to complete and submit your application in good time to ensure it can be considered.
- Job Description- HCSW Discharge Lounge (PDF, 353.2KB)
- Discharge Lounge SOP (PDF, 376.4KB)
- Join the RUH (PDF, 1.3MB)
Contacts
Name: Manny MabulayJob title: Senior Charge NurseEmail: manny.mabulay@nhs.netTelephone: 01225 826975
Additional information: You can book an informal meeting.
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