Discharge Officer for the Integrated Discharge Hub

Job overview

Discharge Officer- Integrated Discharge Hub

Department: Integrated Discharge Hub

Band: 4, £26,530 - £29,114 Per annum, pro rata if part time

Hours: Full time, 37.5 per week, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working

The newly formed Integrated Discharge Hub (IDH) has an exciting opportunity for two enthusiastic and committed member of staff to join our team on a full time 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 Officer is ward based and will work closely with the Discharge Practitioner, the Operations Team and ward staff, in liaising with patients, families and other multi-disciplinary organisations.

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.

Interview date: 13 November 2024

Main duties of the job

Discharge Officer work 7 days a week on a rotational basis in shift patterns ranging from 08:00hrs-20:00hrs (Total 7.5hrs per day). They work primarily on one ward but cross covering others when needed and also taking up a very operational role on a regular basis

To provide integral support to the operational duties of the Integrated Discharge Hub that will operate seven days a week, 8am - 8pm. This involves working with multiple services/providers, patients, relatives and wards to plan safe, effective and efficient patient centred discharges from hospital.

The Discharge Officer role is to be ward-based to provide support and guidance to the MDT on the ward by collating key information and sharing this with the appropriate professionals/services to support a safe discharge.

Working for our organisation

NHS Staff Survey: Best in the country in the Motivation (7.39/10) and Involvement (7.21/10) sub-themes of Staff Engagement.

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 tea and coffee

Great flexible working opportunities

Discounted gym membership

Lease car scheme

Generous annual leave and pension scheme

On site nursery (chargeable)

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.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To ensure communication is clear and carried out in a way that consistently displays professionalism and MKUH values 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.

Please refer to attached Job description for further information.

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 enough 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 Essential criteria

• Educated at diploma levels (Level 4) or equivalent
• Relevant IT skills to include, E-mail, Excel, Window Word (equivalent to RSA 3, European Driving Licence)
• Evidence of understanding and insight into current issues in the Trust
• Sound understanding of data protection

Desirable criteria

• Comprehensive knowledge of issues relating to discharge planning
• Awareness of legislation relevant to post
• Some knowledge of infection control
• Knowledge of health and safety issues

Experience Essential criteria

• Experience of working within a busy hospital setting
• Sound knowledge base in order to challenge decision making
• Multi-disciplinary working and ability to participate in inter-disciplinary decision making.

Skills Essential criteria

• Excellent Organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to analyse complex problems and situations and deliver pragmatic solutions
• Customer Care skills
• Able to prioritise
• Influencing skills
• Problem-solving/decision making skills

Desirable criteria

• Phlebotomy

Personal and people development Essential criteria

• Articulate & Flexible
• Enthusiastic/highly motivated
• Able to work under pressure
• Able to work on own initiative
• Team Player
• Self motivated
• Energetic/good physical stamina
• Ability to manage change

Communication Essential criteria

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills