Discharge Facilitator

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust; Bishop Auckland; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in Bishop Auckland is looking for a Discharge Facilitator to support patient discharges. Responsibilities include facilitating safe discharges, working closely with families and multi-disciplinary teams, and using clinical systems. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills, a willingness to learn, and basic knowledge of discharge processes. A GCSE in English and Maths is required, with a Care Certificate preferred. This role promises a rewarding opportunity in a dynamic healthcare environment.

Qualifications

• Previous experience working on a hospital ward is beneficial.
• Moving and handling skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate safe and effective discharge from the ward.
• Promote best practice in discharge planning.
• Book transport for patient discharge.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Ability to learn new skills

Ability to act on own initiative

Calm under pressure

Education

GCSE in English and Maths

Care Certificate (preferred)

Job description

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 26 January 2026

Discharge Facilitator

Exciting opportunity for a Discharge Facilitator on Ward 16 at Bishop Auckland Hospital. We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic, well‑motivated team member to facilitate safe and effective discharge from the ward area. Must have excellent communication skills, willingness to learn new skills, a basic understanding of safe discharge, and ability to liaise with all multidisciplinary teams.

Main Duties

The role of the discharge facilitator is to support ward staff to coordinate and facilitate safe and effective discharge, working alongside ward staff, therapy teams, charge nurse, medical team and the discharge management team.

• Liaise with family, friends and carers to discuss any concerns they may have regarding discharge.
• Use clinical systems and electronic patient records.
• Have a full understanding of all the discharge pathways.
• Attend ward huddle daily.
• Work within a team and on own initiative; friendly and approachable.

Job Responsibilities

To promote the correct implementation of discharge processes to ensure safe and timely smooth discharges of patients.

Work closely with Social Services, Primary Care Trusts and other local authorities, private and voluntary organisations to ensure a seamless service, including working to reduce delayed discharges.

Work closely with the Discharge Management team making referrals into their service for trusted assessments for packages of care and intermediate care beds.

Liaise with families and caregivers using effective communication skills.

Book transport to ensure safe discharge to the destination.

Promote best practice in achievement of high‑quality discharge planning.

Liaise with relevant staff and agencies on a daily basis to resolve operational issues and ensure discharges are managed effectively.

Use knowledge, training and experience to analyse, plan and implement discharge plans for patients with complex physical, mental health and social needs.

Maintain and promote confidentiality in line with national and Trust standards and policies.

Effectively manage and prioritise workload despite distractions and respond to crisis situations.

Adapt approach when information may be sensitive, confidential, distressing, or when conflict of opinions may occur.

Be responsible for the written recording of up to date, accurate information in line with Trust guidelines.

Abide by legal requirements governing confidentiality and data protection.

Carry out routine administrative tasks within the team.

Ensure that own practice complies with appropriate Trust standards and guidelines.

Establish and maintain professional relationships with all relevant professionals and agencies, internal and external to the Trust.

About the Trust

We provide hospital services from two acute sites – Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham – and a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland. We also provide care from community hospitals in Chester‑Le‑Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale, as well as over 80 other community‑based settings and patients’ homes.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as these groups are currently under‑represented.

Person Specification

Experience

• Ability to learn new skills.
• Previous experience working on a hospital ward.

Special Skills & Knowledge

• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to act on own initiative.
• Able to work calmly under pressure or in busy environments.
• Ability to plan own work and work independently.
• Moving and handling skills.

Qualifications

• GCSE in English and Maths.
• Care Certificate (preferred).

Special Requirements

• Patient Focused: Understands how their role impacts the patient journey, and is willing to place the patient at the centre of what they do.
• Achieving Results: Experience of successfully working to deadlines and completing tasks.
• Inspirational Leadership: Keen to develop themselves and others, open to new ideas and willing to share experience.
• Maximising Value: Takes ownership of problems and does not overly complicate matters or involve colleagues unnecessarily.
• Working Together: Approachable and able to build relationships with a wide variety of colleagues.
• Ability to work in a busy and varied environment and respond to change.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and therefore a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) is required to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer Name

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Workforce Eligibility

From 9 April 2025: To be eligible for sponsorship, you must have been employed as a healthcare assistant within the NHS for a minimum of two years and have a current visa expiring within three months.