Discharge Lead Nurse

Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust; Kingston upon Thames; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in Kingston upon Thames is seeking a Senior Discharge Coordinator to oversee discharge planning processes. You will lead a team to ensure safe, timely, person-centred discharges, employing a data-driven approach to enhance service quality. The ideal candidate will have a nursing background and strong leadership skills, alongside a commitment to improving patient experiences. A supportive environment with development opportunities is offered.

Benefits

On-site staff nursery

Wellbeing practitioners

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Strong background in discharge planning and clinical leadership.
• Exceptional communication skills.
• Confident in managing teams and influencing policy.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the discharge coordination team.
• Provide clinical oversight on complex patient discharges.
• Liaise with families, carers, and care providers.

Skills

Leadership in healthcare

Discharge planning

Clinical oversight

Team management

Education

Registered Nurse or equivalent

Job description

Join Our Team as a Senior Discharge Coordinator (Band 8a)

Location: Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Salary: Band 8a (AFC)
Contract: Full Time | Permanent

Are you a passionate and experienced healthcare professional ready to take on a leadership role in improving patient flow and discharge processes? Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Senior Discharge Coordinator to lead our Discharge Team and support the delivery of safe, timely, and person-centred discharges across the Trust.

About the Role

This pivotal position will see you at the heart of the discharge planning process, providing expert guidance to multidisciplinary teams, overseeing complex discharges, and ensuring high-quality patient care through effective collaboration with internal and external partners. As a senior leader, you'll manage a team of Discharge Coordinators and drive service improvement through data-led decision-making, policy development, and strategic stakeholder engagement.

What You'll Do

1. Lead and develop a high-performing discharge coordination team.
2. Provide clinical oversight and advice on complex patient discharges.
3. Liaise with families, carers, social services, and care providers.
4. Implement and monitor KPIs to ensure service excellence.
5. Represent the Trust in borough-wide stakeholder forums.
6. Support and train staff in effective discharge planning processes.
7. Champion our values: Compassionate, Inclusive, Collaborative, and Inspiring.

About You

You are a Registered Nurse or an equivalent registered professional with a strong background in discharge planning and clinical leadership. You're confident in managing teams, influencing policy, and navigating complex cases with empathy and clarity. Your communication skills are exceptional, and you are passionate about improving the patient experience.

Development and Staff Wellbeing

Your growth and personal happiness matter to us. After all, we can't expect the best from you if we don't invest in your development and nurture your wellbeing. From the moment you join us, we're committed to fostering your professional and personal development within a supportive, empowering environment.

We actively support colleagues to take part in research, quality improvement, and innovation, whatever their role or level in the organisation. To support your wellbeing, we offer an extensive range of resources, including an on-site staff nursery at Kingston Hospital, wellbeing practitioners, regular wellbeing classes, dedicated staff physiotherapist, comprehensive occupational health services, 24/7 employee assistance programme, and a range of other support and activities.

We also take every opportunity to thank and recognise the work our teams do, through weekly 'shoutouts' and patient feedback, monthly and annual awards. Wherever you work across our organisation, we look forward to welcoming you.