Overview
Exciting opportunities are now available for the position of Patient Flow Assistant. You will be able to work on your own initiative and seek help as required. You will be able to work across 7 days a week according to shift patterns.
You will be part of an integrated team who are the central point of contact for bed availability across the Trust and who ensure systems are in place for the effective flow of patients through the hospital, aiming to provide a high quality service and meet the trusts targets. Dealing with relatives, staff from other hospitals, and internal departments across the Trust is a key part of the role.
Responsibilities
* Lead on coordinating the discharge or transfer arrangements of medically and therapeutically stable patients identified as medically fit for discharge within a designated area.
* Participate in the assessment of after-care needs of clients and relatives/carers, contacting as required other members of the multidisciplinary team.
* Independently coordinate the safe discharge and transfer of patients.
* Work as part of the Capacity Team, liaising with members of all areas across the hospital, particularly emergency assessment areas, ensuring systems are in place for the effective flow of patients through the hospital to provide a high quality service and meet Trust targets.
* Deal with relatives, staff from other hospitals, and internal departments across the Trust as required.
* Maintain confidentiality and manage information sensitively; demonstrate discretion and respect when communicating with patients, colleagues and other agencies.
* Take an active role in the discharge of patients from their admission, ensuring a high standard of care and communication at all times, and showing regard for patients’ and carers’ physical, psychological, emotional and environmental needs.
* Lead on organising timely and effective meetings with patients, relatives and appropriate Health and Social Care Professionals.
* Communicate effectively with all members of the Multidisciplinary Team and other agencies, including Consultants, therapists, nurses, social work teams, and other NHS, commercial and voluntary organisations; promote teamwork through effective information dissemination.
* Maintain close liaison within a multi-disciplinary hospital environment and establish productive working relationships with internal and external agencies as required; keep ward managers fully aware of actions taken in discharge planning.
* Deal with complex information including coordinating difficult discharges or repatriations/transfers to and from other hospitals and departments; ensure senior team members and bed capacity management are aware of any issues.
* Provide up-to-date information on discharge or repatriation arrangements for individual patients and any foreseen delays for multidisciplinary team meetings.
* Provide a contact point for relatives and patients dealing with difficult family/social dynamics and concerns; be aware of culture, background and preferred communication methods while ensuring privacy and dignity for patients.
* Make contact within 24 hours of patient’s admission with relatives/carers and provide a telephone contact service for them.
* Identify patients suitable for Step Down facilities in conjunction with medical and social work staff and ensure all documentation is completed appropriately; monitor progress of patient journey and update ward and Directorate Management.
* Contribute to monitoring and facilitation of discharge for patients classed as Delayed Transfers of Care under the Delayed Discharges Act, ensuring information is accurate.
* Take responsibility for own personal development to meet current and emerging role requirements.
Analytical and Judgemental
* Use own initiative to problem solve and find acceptable solutions for all parties; prioritise own workload to meet deadlines and demands of the service.
* Be aware of and participate in risk assessment in line with the Risk Management Policy and Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.
* Ensure maintenance of accurate and efficient record systems, including paper and computerised systems (PAS, Capacity Reports, EMS, SITREPS) while maintaining strict confidentiality of patient identifiable information.
Planning and Organisation
* Ensure bed capacity across the Trust is fully and appropriately utilised in an effective and timely manner.
* On a daily basis, ensure actions from handover are carried out to keep discharges on target.
* Progress the chase of 4-hour breaches with the Emergency Department in accordance with national targets.
* Initiate and act as facilitator to expedite the discharge/transfer of clinically stable patients to appropriate destinations, reducing unnecessary delays and length of stay.
* Take referrals for patients requiring admission from within the hospital or transfers from other Trusts, considering clinical need with advice from the Capacity Team or other clinical staff.
* Contribute to multidisciplinary meetings with up-to-date discharge/transfer status for all appropriate patients.
* Liaise with residential/nursing homes regarding timing of assessments for patients to return home; facilitate this process and document outcomes.
* Undertake delegated projects or assignments and prepare reports for the Capacity Manager or other meetings as required.
* Handle admissions, discharges and transfers by phone, mail, e-mail and general enquiries, prioritising and ensuring messages are relayed and actions taken.
* Ensure all paperwork for social work referrals, transfers to other hospitals, step-down and community services is completed and submitted; maintain and monitor ward outlier listings to aid medical reviews and escalate where necessary.
* Attend daily capacity meetings when necessary and present updates on capacity and patient flow as required.
* Actively participate in the development of the Patient Flow Assistant role and contribute to service improvements for patients, carers and staff.
* Commit to personal development to meet current and emerging role requirements and support morning, evening and weekend working to meet capacity needs.
Physical
* To access other areas of the Trust as required.
* Move light pieces of equipment and stationery around the office/base as required.
* Daily transfer of patients as requested to beds/trolleys/wheelchairs; occasionally assisting with dressing of patients to facilitate discharge.
Flexible Working – as a major employer in the Black Country and West Birmingham region we are committed to supporting all employees to achieve a healthy work life balance. We will consider all requests to work flexibly taking into account personal and individual circumstances alongside the needs of the service. Applicants are encouraged to discuss individual circumstances with the Recruiting Manager as part of the on-boarding process.
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