Job overview
The responsibilities of a healthcare professional focused on supporting timely and safe patient discharges from acute care. Key duties include working collaboratively within the healthcare team, assessing and coordinating patient discharge needs, referring to the appropriate multidisciplinary staff, and supervising junior nurses. The role must be carried out in alignment with the Trust's core values: Communication, Kindness and Understanding, Fairness and Transparency, Working Together, and Excellence.
This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants.
If you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.
Main duties of the job
The post holder is responsible for providing a comprehensive service to the Trust, with a primary focus on facilitating the effective and timely discharge of patients who no longer require acute care. They actively participate as a member of the healthcare team, assisting with patient flow and ensuring safe discharge processes as directed by the Ward Manager and shift coordinators. The role involves assessing and evaluating the discharge needs of patients and making appropriate referrals to members of the multidisciplinary team to arrange necessary care. Additionally, the post holder supervises and trains junior nursing staff, supporting their development in planning safe and timely discharges. All duties are carried out in accordance with the Trust’s core values, which include Communication, Kindness and Understanding, Fairness and Transparency, Working Together, and Excellence.
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
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Specific responsibilities of the role requires a consistent and coordinated approach to the operational management of patient flow, with an emphasis on an on-going and ‘real time’ understanding of the wards current and predicted capacity position and the timely and well-timed discharge process.
These will be subject to training, local protocols/Trust policies and formal assessment of competency
Management
1. Manage the discharge of an identified group of patients to ensure flow is maintained. To ensure adherence to the BSUH standard for patients to access their beds, in line with national standards.
2. You will be available as the primary point of contact for the multidisciplinary team including the discharge team and will be expected to feed back any issues or complex cases to the Ward Manager, Discharge Coordinators in your area or Matrons.
3. Attend the daily board rounds, and safety huddles, taking actions to support the wards and patient flow for that day. This will include updating of the Real Time Bed State (RTBS) and use of Medway to update patients estimated discharge date, (EDD).
4. Reviewing all patients each day noting which patients are for discharge within 48hrs, and supporting the preparation for discharge, and escalating delays to the Ward Manager, Matron or nurse in charge. This will be updated on RTBS/Medway daily and will improve communication within the ward and trust operations team hence improving patient flow.
5. When required, assist with the completion and sending of other referral forms for Multi-disciplinary Team within Trust and Community such as Community Services or Inpatient Rehabilitation referrals.
6. Ensure early identification and referral of patients needing repatriation to other hospitals. Initiate escalation process advising cardiac bed manager of patient’s details.
7. Early diagnostic tests are expedited promptly and escalate any delays to the appropriate person.
8. Assist in organising transfers between wards and external transfers.
9. Liaise with Pharmacy when required regarding Discharge Medication.
10. Booking Discharge Transport
11. Support the full utilization of the Discharge Lounge throughout the day, and encourage the use of this to team.
12. Work closely with the Nursing Team to ensure patient safety is of most importance at all times.
13. Participate in MDT and discharge planning meetings. Update and implement daily discharge plans for a group of patients ensuring timely, safe patient discharge, utilising the whiteboard/ Medway and ensuring that the RTBS is live and updated correctly.
14. Ensuring that all patients at the MDT meeting are assigned to a discharge pathway, to allow for an effective and streamlined discharge process.
Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants.
Person specification
essential and desirable
Essential criteria
1. Working towards or hold a Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care level 5 or equivalent NARIC (National Agency for the Recognition and Comparison of International Qualifications & Skills).
2. Evidence of working within related clinical area or external agency. Basic understanding of conditions relating to speciality Previous experience as HCA/MCA or Admin Assistant with knowledge of clinical area.
3. Evidence of continuous professional development. Awareness of current NHS and Healthcare issues.
Desirable criteria
4. Educated to GGCE level. Level 2/3 Diploma in Clinical Healthcare Support, Health & Social Care or relevant equivalent qualification (eg. NVQ Level 2/3). UHS Band 3 HCA competencies. Care Certificate.
5. Previous experience of leading a team or taking responsibility. Experience in working in the patient flow/ discharge coordinator role.
6. Advance Beginner Computer Literacy
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
7. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
8. 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