Overview
The new HHFT Operational Discharge and Flow Support Team, formed from the merger of the existing Discharge Lounge and Transfer Teams at the Winchester and Basingstoke sites, is recruiting for the Band 7 RN Clinical role. This position will work collaboratively with site staff, duty teams, inpatient and clinical areas, and Integrated Discharge Teams to improve patient experience and operational performance by supporting earlier discharges and movements from the hospital.
Responsibilities
* Collaborate with the Site and Duty team, In‑patient and clinical areas, and Integrated Discharge Teams to support earlier discharges from wards and earlier movement from Emergency Departments and assessment areas.
* Actively participate, encourage, and drive the team to work dynamically with key stakeholders to alleviate blockages and barriers to flow.
* Use sound clinical judgement, reasoning and leadership skills to facilitate inpatient and assessment areas into the Discharge Lounges to their full potential, and assist early identification of suitable patients.
* Lead and manage the Operational Discharge and Flow Support Team on a day‑to‑day basis, including rostering, training, education, sickness/performance monitoring, annual leave and participation in HR processes in conjunction with Clinical Leads.
* Plan proactively for same‑day and next‑day discharges in collaboration with the Duty Manager and Integrated Discharge Team, Patient Flow Facilitators, ward teams, and the Operations Centre.
* Ensure Discharge Lounges are operational from 08:30 hrs each day to facilitate early patient transfers and bed availability.
* Appropriately delegate duties to RNs and Hospital Care Support Workers (HCSW).
* Maintain accurate and timely updates on electronic whiteboards (eWhiteboards) to reflect real‑time patient status and utilise Power BI dashboards for discharge intelligence and decision‑making.
* Prepare and verify TTOs and discharge summaries the day prior to planned discharge, conduct clinical discussions with Medical and Nursing teams, issue TTOs to patients, and raise medication queries with the appropriate medic/pharmacist.
* Confirm that appropriate patient transport is pre‑arranged to meet individual needs, arrange specialist requirements in time, and consult the SCAS PTS Hospital Liaison Officer (HLO) when necessary.
* Engage with patients for discharge lounge transfer, coordinate packing, collection, and transfer of patients, property and medications, provide breakfast as required, and contact relatives/carers for discharge details.
* Monitor progress of all discharge actions, escalating barriers promptly to the Lead or Duty Manager or clinical leads, and ensure safe and timely transfer of patients from ED/admission areas to inpatient wards and discharge lounges.
* Coordinate band 5 and band 3 activity according to greatest need, delegate and review allocated tasks efficiently, and ensure both Discharge Lounges are open, operational and staffed to meet daily opening hour requirements.
* Maintain, observe and report any concerns regarding Health Safety requirements for the Discharge Lounges and work across both Winchester and Basingstoke sites.
* Demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness by redeploying self and team rapidly to areas of greatest operational pressure, anticipating demand and adapting to evolving site requirements.
* Maintain regular communication with the Duty Manager and Site Coordinator, develop strong relationships with key stakeholders across clinical and non‑clinical teams, foster open communication channels, and promote and educate the function of the Team.
Benefits & Working Conditions
* Flexible working: flexible and part‑time arrangements may be considered.
* Probationary period of six months for all new staff.
* Supportive work environment focused on patient safety and well‑being.
Equal Opportunities
We are committed to equality and diversity in both the provision of our services and how we recruit and manage our staff. Applications are encouraged from everyone with the necessary attributes for the job, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity.
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