Job overview
****** THIS POSITION IS ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST EMPLOYEES ******
The Discharge Team operates across both the Royal Sussex County Hospital (RSCH) in Brighton and the Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) in Haywards Heath. We are seeking enthusiastic, motivated, and proactive Band 5 Registered Nurses to join our friendly and supportive Discharge team.
The RSCH Discharge Lounge operates Monday to Friday, 08:00–20:00, supporting patient flow by providing a safe and comfortable area for patients awaiting transport or medication prior to discharge. This service plays a vital role in improving patient experience and creating capacity to meet both emergency and elective demand.
This is a rotational role, where the post holder will work flexibly across both the Discharge Lounge and the Transfer of Care Hub (TOCH), providing support where staffing levels require. The position offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience in discharge planning and coordination, supporting career development towards a future role as a Discharge Coordinator.
We are looking for dynamic, creative nurses with excellent communication and teamwork skills who can work collaboratively with ward teams, promote early use of the Discharge Lounge, and ensure a positive and seamless discharge experience for patients. Successful candidates will be supported with ongoing training and professional development within a nurturing team environment.
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role-specific criteria.
Main duties of the job
1. Support the efficient operation of the Discharge Lounge, based in the Louisa Martindale Building (LMB) at RSCH, promoting effective patient flow throughout the hospital and supporting both emergency and elective demand.
2. Provide safe, person-centred care for patients awaiting discharge, ensuring comfort and dignity while they remain in the Discharge Lounge.
3. Coordinate and facilitate safe and timely patient discharges, including the collection and care of patients, ensuring all documentation and discharge requirements are complete.
4. Book and arrange patient transport as required, using appropriate Trust systems, and ensure patients have everything needed for a safe transfer home or to another care setting.
5. Communicate effectively with ward teams, community providers, and next of kin (NOK) to ensure continuity of care and a smooth discharge process.
6. Promote early use of the Discharge Lounge to create bed capacity and support overall hospital flow.
7. Work collaboratively within a supportive multidisciplinary team, contributing to a positive and efficient discharge experience for all patients.
8. Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge in discharge planning and coordination.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate Pack
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
9. Support the Discharge Team and TOCH, particularly during periods of reduced staffing.
10. Contribute to discharge planning across pathways 1, 2, and 3, ensuring patients are discharged safely and appropriately.
11. Participate in daily TOCH huddles to discuss patients who do not meet criteria to reside (nCTR).
12. Liaise with internal and external agencies to support and expedite discharges.
13. Follow Trust discharge policies and NMC Code of Practice at all times.
14. Provide unsupervised nursing care, prioritising and delegating appropriately.
15. Maintain patient safety through adherence to infection control, moving and handling, and medicines management procedures.
16. Check and manage TTOs and EPMA records to ensure safe medication on discharge.
17. Record and escalate incidents using Datix, and maintain accurate documentation on CareFlow.
18. Support student nurses and visitors, demonstrating professional standards of care.
19. Act proactively during bed pressures or business continuity situations, identifying patients suitable for transfer to the Discharge Lounge.
Person specification
Experience
Essential criteria
20. Evidence of Nursing Degree
21. Recent experience in acute hospital setting
Desirable criteria
22. Worked previously within the discharge Lounge
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
23. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
24. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications