Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Hours: 30 hours per week, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
The newly formed Integrated Discharge Hub (IDH) has an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and committed member of staff to join our team on a permanent basis. The IDH plays a vital role in offering support and guidance to help discharge patients in a safe and timely manner and are pivotal to enable the hospital to function and create flow through the system.
The Discharge Practitioner role works closely with the MDT, Discharge Officers, patients, families and community services to provide expertise to co-ordinate safe, timely discharge for patients. Discharge Practitioners deputise for the IDH Deputy Manager as required and provide line management for the Discharge Officers. We are looking for motivated, organised and enthusiastic individuals to join our team. This challenging role requires excellent interpersonal skills and individuals who thrive in a very busy environment. This role presents numerous challenges on a daily basis so excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work well under pressure will be key attributes of the successful candidates.
For further details or an informal visit contact Jane Bignall, IDH Lead 01908 995171 or via e-mail jane.bignall@mkuh.nhs.uk
Interview 3rd March 2025
Main duties of the job
Discharge Practitioners work 7 days a week on a rotational basis in shift patterns ranging from 08:00hrs-20:00hrs (Maximum 7.5hrs per day).
1. Be the key point of contact for arranging a patients discharge and overseeing the coordination of the discharge process.
2. Provide area of expertise to the patient, families, carers and other professionals to facilitate safe discharge planning (this could be Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Nursing or social work).
3. Be the single point of contact for patients, families and carers for complex discharges from initial contact to 72 hours post discharge.
4. Provide leadership to other members of the IDH and direct supervisees/direct reports.
5. Responsible for carrying out the daily operational delivery of all discharge and admission avoidance processes in line with local and national guidance and in collaboration with system partners.
6. Deputise for Deputy Team Managers for the IDH where applicable.
7. Being accountable to your own professional organisation working in collaboration with health, social care and Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise sector professionals to ensure safe and seamless discharges for patients at Milton Keynes University Hospital and for patients requiring repatriation to Milton Keynes.
About us
'Nurses and midwives lead the charge in acknowledging the significance of every voice, boasting an impressive score of 7.19/10 in the theme "We each have a voice that counts."' (NHS Staff Survey 2023).
You can expect a warm welcome at Milton Keynes University Hospital, our staff are friendly and welcoming. We listen to each other and work together to embed our Trusts values and behaviours. At MKUH we appreciate our staff and reward them with an outstanding benefits package including:
* Free on-site parking
* Free refreshments
* Great flexible working opportunities
* Discounted gym membership
* Lease car scheme
* Generous annual leave and pension scheme
* Extensive staff health and well-being programme
Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital; we conduct research and teaching on site to improve the care of our patients. The hospital is undergoing significant investment, and we are proud to be rated good by the CQC. Visit our website to catch up on our latest news.
Job responsibilities
* Adhere to the clinical governance systems within the Trust, working at all times to improve the quality of patient care.
* Participate in the development and delivery where applicable of training and education to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours of other professionals in the IDH to enhance the quality and safety of the service and patient experience.
* Ensure that patient communication is integral to all the work of the Integrated Discharge Hub to ensure that patients/next-of-kin/carers are asked what they require on discharge and are kept updated of discharge plans.
* Maintain good working relationships with other health and social care professionals, including Voluntary Care Sector (VCSE), to promote collaborative working to support discharge processes.
* Contribute to the daily and national discharge sitrep data in line with information support teams by updating board round proforma and Length of Stay Application and generating appropriate data reports.
* Contribute to the operational duties of the IDH seven day, 8am 8pm service.
* Participate in own supervision and the supervision of others if applicable at a minimum of once of every eight weeks.
* On a rotational basis, provide duty cover to the IDH.
Communication and Key Relationships
To ensure communication is clear and carried out in a way that consistently displays professionalism at all times to ensure effective working relationships with colleagues, clients/patients and other professionals/agencies. The post holder will communicate in person, via telephone calls, emails and MS Teams and ensure information is provided and received in line with GDPR and Information Governance. This will require high levels of interpersonal skills and a level of tact and empathy. This will also require advising and signposting to appropriate services.
Administration Duties
To manage complex and sensitive information on a daily basis, using empathy and reassurance skills at all times with all people. Ensure that information is recorded and shared in line with information governance. To contribute to the rota management.
Ensure that the referral to IDH is completed in full as soon as possible after admission, for patients needing or requiring support with discharge by the appropriate professional. To collaboratively work with the patient and/or representative along with MDT professionals to set goals for discharge and beyond.
Professional
Maintain current professional registration and adhere to professional code of conduct as required by relevant professional bodies (if applicable). Maintain own professional practice and CPD.
Education
Supervise and/or mentor students, apprentices and junior colleagues including their assessment, training and appraisal. Identify and support learning needs of professionals external to the IDH on discharge planning.
Quality Assurance and Governance
The post holder will ensure that they are aware of all issues in relation to governance, quality assurance and clinical effectiveness (if applicable to profession) and will carry out their duties in accordance of these frameworks and standards. Support guidelines/protocols for practice that are evidence based, practicable and practised appropriately at all times.
Please refer to the Job Description for further details
We believe success lies in the diversity of our employees and are committed to promoting equality, encouraging diversity and embracing inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone interested in working for us.
MKUH is committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and as such we offer a range of flexible working practices.
We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
MKUH uses identification scanning technology to confirm the authenticity of documents; all prospective employees of MKUH will have their original documents verified using this technology.
By applying for this role, you accept if successful, that information from your application will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system. Your personal data may be transferred from the Trust to another NHS organisation where your employment transfers within the NHS. This is in accordance with the streamlining programme which aims at saving you time and improving efficiencies within the NHS when your employment transfers.
Upon commencing employment with the Trust, all employees (except Medical & Dental Staff on national terms and conditions) are subject to a probationary period lasting a period of six months with an option to extend for a further six months to a total of 12 months.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
* Registered Practitioner (RN/AHP/Social Worker)
* Mentorship and Support in Professional Practice.
Experience
* Multi-disciplinary working in an acute environment.
* Previous knowledge and practice of discharge planning.
* Previous knowledge/experience of discharge co-ordination
Skills
* Effective leadership skills.
* Excellent verbal and written communication.
* Ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team.
* Facilitator of plans.
* Ability to challenge decision-making in a constructive manner.
* Ability to work alone and as part of a team.
* Change management ability.
* Undertake audits to improve the service.
Personal and people development
* Aware of current issues in relation to discharge and admission avoidance, nursing, and new advancements in the Discharge and the NHS.
* PDR Training.
* Leadership course or equivalent experience.
* Change Management.
Communication
* Team player.
* Ability to work under pressure.
* Good time management.
* Pro-active.
* Dynamic.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
£37,338 to £44,962 a year Per annum, pro rata
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