Job Summary
Clinical Band 7 RN Operational Discharge and Flow Support – the new HHFT Operational Discharge and Flow Support Team has been formed by merging the existing Discharge Lounge and Transfer Teams at the Winchester and Basingstoke sites. Working collaboratively with the Site and Duty team, In‑patient and clinical areas, and our Integrated Discharge Teams, the Operational Discharge and Flow Support Team will positively impact patient experience and operational performance by supporting earlier discharges from the wards via the Discharge Lounges, and earlier movement from our Emergency Departments and assessment areas.
Responsibilities
* Proactive planning for same‑day and next‑day discharges, working collaboratively with the Duty Manager, Integrated Discharge Team (IDT), Patient Flow Facilitators (PFFs), ward teams and the Operations Centre.
* Ensure discharge lounges are operational from 08:30 hrs to facilitate early patient transfers and bed availability.
* Delegate duties appropriately to registered nurses and healthcare support workers.
* Maintain accurate and timely updates on electronic whiteboards, reflecting real‑time patient status.
* Use Power BI dashboards to gather discharge intelligence and inform decision‑making and liaison with IDT, wards and key stakeholders.
* Ensure transfer of ownership (TTOs) and discharge summaries are prepared and verified the day prior to planned discharge, reducing delays and improving patient safety.
* Conduct clinical discussions with medical and nursing teams as necessary; explain and issue TTOs to patients, ensuring understanding.
* Raise medication queries with the appropriate medication team or pharmacist.
* Confirm appropriate patient transport is pre‑arranged and meets individual needs before discharge; recognise and arrange specialist requirements in a timely manner.
* Escalate concerns to the Hospital Liaison Officer (HLO) or SCAS PTS as required and encourage patients to arrange their own transport where clinically appropriate, promoting independence and reducing Trust costs.
* “Meet and greet” patients identified for discharge lounge transfer, providing clear communication about the process and expected timelines and ensuring consistency of service on alternative sites.
* Coordinate packing, collection and transfer of patients, property and medications to the discharge lounge on the morning of discharge, and support patients with breakfast as needed.
* Monitor progress of all discharge actions, escalating barriers promptly to the lead, Duty Manager or clinical leads for the Operations Centre Team.
* Ensure safe and timely transfer of patients from ED/admission areas to inpatient wards and discharge lounges, prioritising flow in collaboration with the Duty Manager.
* Coordinate band 5 and band 3 activity according to greatest need, ensuring effective delegation and review of allocated tasks.
* Ensure both discharge lounges are open and operational and staffing meets daily opening hour requirements.
* Maintain, observe and report any concerns regarding health and safety requirements for the discharge lounges.
* Work across both Winchester and Basingstoke sites.
* Provide general day‑to‑day leadership and management of the team.
* Redeploy self and team rapidly to areas of greatest operational pressure and anticipate demand, adapting to evolving site requirements with a proactive approach to patient flow.
* Maintain regular communication with the Duty Manager and Site Coordinator to ensure alignment with operational priorities.
* Develop strong relationships with key stakeholders across clinical and non‑clinical teams, fostering open and supportive communication channels and actively seeking engagement for the team.
Benefits
Accommodation may be offered. Please contact Southern Housing on 02080 360017.
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