Overview
The Maternity Discharge Support Worker will provide a compassionate and supportive role in assisting with the smooth transition of care for women and families following childbirth. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, this Band 4 role involves offering physical and emotional support to mothers and newborns, ensuring they receive appropriate guidance and information prior to discharge from the maternity unit. The role is vital in enhancing the experience of service users and ensuring continuity of care after leaving the hospital.
Responsibilities
* Provide practical assistance to families and support the coordination of follow‑up care.
* Liaise with multidisciplinary teams to guarantee continuity of care post‑discharge.
* Deliver compassionate, person‑centred support to promote a safe transition from hospital to home.
* Maintain an overview of incoming admissions and recognise early which patients are fit for discharge, facilitating seamless workflow on the postnatal ward.
* Work closely with the midwife in charge and the midwifery team to take responsibility for women and babies assessed as fit for discharge.
* Oversee tasks related to feeding, infant care, safe sleeping, periprem passport, health education/discharge advice, and routine enquiry completion prior to discharge.
* Collaboratively identify the order of priority for examination and discharge to ensure efficient flow throughout the department.
* Support and undertake referrals to specialist practitioners/therapists as appropriate (e.g., BCG clinic, physiotherapy, other relevant services).
* Liaise with external professionals to facilitate the discharge process, including safeguarding midwives and children’s services for case conferences.
* Develop knowledge of newborn care and give practical support to mothers with tasks such as bathing, nappy changing, cord care, and delivery of STORK training.
* Support education programmes and upskilling of junior workforce to develop knowledge of discharge management, including use of digital platforms, GP liaison, and managing patient expectations.
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