Job Introduction
You will play a key role in helping people move safely out of hospital and into the next stage of their recovery. Join our Patient Flow and Discharge team at Great Western Hospital. This is a role where you can make a real difference every single day, working closely with wards, consultants, community teams, social care and voluntary agencies to ensure every patient is assessed holistically and discharged on the right pathway. If you enjoy fast‑paced clinical environments, problem‑solving and working as part of a supportive multi‑disciplinary team, you’ll find your place here. Great Western Hospital is located on the edge of Swindon with good transport links, an easy commute from towns such as Marlborough, Chippenham and Cirencester, and quick access to the Cotswolds and North Wessex Downs for weekend outings.
Package Description
* NHS Agenda for Change Band 6 salary with an NHS pension
* Membership of My Reward Hub, giving you discounts on everyday purchases, plus cashback and voucher offers
* Access to your wages as you earn them
* Online and in‑person wellbeing support, including mental health services, activity challenges, financial wellbeing tools, coaching and counselling
* Access to e‑learning, bespoke career pathways and development opportunities through our Outstanding Learning Enterprise team
* An open, just culture with encouragement to share ideas, supported by ring‑fenced innovation funding each year
* The pride of working for an organisation where most rated services are Good or Outstanding with the CQC
Main Responsibilities
* Coordinate patient flow across acute wards to ensure every person is discharged on the right pathway
* Complete holistic assessments that consider a patient’s medical, physical, social and emotional needs
* Work with consultants, ward teams, community services, social care and voluntary agencies to remove delays and keep people moving safely through their discharge journey
* Facilitate the smooth transfer of assessments, care plans and test results to the next care provider
* Provide professional advice and guidance to colleagues and support day‑to‑day team operations
* Manage complex cases using strong clinical reasoning, problem‑solving and knowledge of national guidance
* Apply a clear understanding of the Mental Capacity Act, safeguarding processes and Continuing Healthcare funding
* Prioritise and review referrals so that discharges are clinically safe and well coordinated
* Offer daily senior support to Band 4 colleagues, including supervision and performance oversight
* Deputise for the Band 7 Lead when needed, including contributing to system calls
* Support the front‑door admission avoidance service when the Band 7 Lead is not available
* Contribute to service improvement, including reducing delays, supporting national and local targets and maintaining seven‑day service delivery
* Ensure every patient’s dignity, privacy and choice are respected throughout their discharge planning
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
* Registered clinician (RGN, AHP, Social Worker or equivalent)
* Experience in discharge planning or patient flow
* Ability to make autonomous clinical decisions around discharge pathways
* Strong communication, decision‑making and problem‑solving skills
* Ability to prioritise and work flexibly in a fast‑paced environment
* Experience working across health and social care boundaries
* Knowledge of the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, Safeguarding and Information Governance
* Understanding of national hospital discharge guidance
* Confident in influencing others in clinical decision making
* Ability to have sensitive or difficult conversations with patients, families and staff
* Resilient, calm under pressure and able to consider the wider system
Desirable Qualifications
* Experience of quality improvement work related to discharge planning
Equal Opportunities Statement
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from a broad, diverse range of people. We are committed to providing a disability‑confident, inclusive work environment. We conduct safer recruitment processes, including disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks.
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