Looking for healthcare jobs in Preston? Check out the job description below!
Job Overview
The role of Discharge Facilitator is essential to ensure patients transition from hospital back to the comfort of their homes. Working within a passionate and empathetic team, the position focuses on facilitating the safe and timely discharge of patients, with the patient at the heart of every decision. While not directly involved in patient care, the role plays a vital part in the recovery journey, collaborating with patients, their families, and various healthcare teams to ensure smooth discharge planning. This patient-facing role requires effective communication, strong organisational skills, and the ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team.
Main Duties of the Job
Experience in a hospital setting is not required as full training will be provided. The role will introduce the inner workings of hospital operations, with a focus on discharge planning from the moment of patient admission. Responsibilities include liaising with multi-disciplinary teams and families to minimize hospital stay duration, coordinating with social care and therapy services, and using IT systems to ensure the timely discharge of patients. The role also involves ensuring that relevant paperwork is completed and tasks are managed effectively to avoid delays in the discharge process.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to plan patient discharge.
- Ensure all necessary documentation is completed for effective discharge.
- Communicate with patients, relatives, and staff regarding discharge planning and potential delays.
- Monitor the progress of referrals and assessments, following up on outstanding requests.
- Support ward teams by managing discharge-related tasks such as Transport/Discharge Summary requests.
- Address and escalate any issues that could delay discharge, such as delays in test results or availability of senior doctors.
- Maintain accurate records regarding the discharge process and provide patients with information leaflets.
- Participate in staff training and support the induction of new team members.
Working for the Organisation
With a workforce of 10,000, the organisation provides exceptional care to over 370,000 people in the local area and delivers specialist services to 1.5 million across Lancashire and Cumbria. Working with this team offers the chance to develop new skills, contribute to ongoing improvements, and make a meaningful difference to patient care.
Person Specification
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Experience working with the public or patients in any setting.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Basic IT proficiency and understanding of systems.
Desirable
- Experience in a healthcare or social care setting.
- Awareness of NHS processes, discharge pathways, and the national/local healthcare agenda.
Qualifications & Education
Essential
- GCSE English and Maths (Grade C or above) or equivalent qualifications, or relevant experience.
Desirable
- Care Certificate or similar qualifications.
- Level 2 qualification in Health and Social Care, Administration, or Business Management (or working towards).
Additional Information
The vacancy may close earlier than the advertised date if sufficient applications are received, so early application is advised. All communication regarding your application will be sent via email, so please check your inbox (including spam/junk) regularly.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The organisation is committed to promoting equality and diversity, encouraging individuals from all backgrounds to apply. We aim to create a workforce that truly reflects the communities we serve.
Application Process
Applicants are encouraged to provide detailed supporting information to demonstrate how their skills, knowledge, and experience meet the requirements outlined in the job description and person specification. Clear, specific examples of relevant experiences are recommended to improve the chances of securing an interview.
Working Smarter
To promote a healthy work-life balance, the organisation offers a range of flexible working options and wellbeing support as part of its Working Smarter pledge.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Checks
Certain roles may require a DBS check, the cost of which will be recovered from salary. Detailed information on the levels of checks required can be found within the application process.
Deadline
Applications should be submitted by midnight on 15th December 2024.
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