Patient Key Worker

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK healthcare provider in Dorchester is seeking a Patient Key Worker to facilitate smooth discharge plans for patients. This role involves coordinating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure timely interventions and supporting patients and families throughout the discharge process. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a healthcare environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in a healthcare background is highly desirable.
• Strong communication skills to liaise with patients and families.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Ensure smooth discharge plans for patients.
• Liaise with multi-disciplinary teams for timely interventions.
• Facilitate communication with patients and families regarding discharge.

Job description

Overview

The Patient Key Worker role will primarily focus on providing a smooth discharge plan for each patient. The primary function of this role is to ensure patients and relatives are aware of the plan both in terms of interventions and expectations on discharge. Also, to highlight to all concerned, any problems that may become apparent that could affect a delay in discharge.

The post holder will facilitate the discharge pathway from admission, liaise with the wider multi-disciplinary team to ensure timely interventions are addressed along said pathway, and provide daily update to the ward sister and complex discharge team.

The post holder will also act as a conduit between the ward-based team and the discharge teams and in doing so will provide an extension of the discharge team based within the ward environment. The post holder will also be expected to liaise and work alongside the ward teams and Complex Discharge team, to assist and support the patients journey through the organisation ensuring good communication with patients and families.

Responsibilities

• To ensure quality care and support service which enables patients to be supported throughout their care pathway
• To work in support of qualified staff and allied health care professionals in the assessment, planning, implementing and evaluation of the discharge pathways in conjunction with the complex discharge team.
• To assist the wider MDT in facilitating a safe and timely transfer out of the hospital environment for all ward patients.
• Patient and/or carer is aware of the expected date of discharge and is kept informed when this changes.
• Identifying and escalating any barriers to the patient returning home/ care home on the expected date of discharge.
• Liaise with care agencies/ care homes to clarify what the patients’ needs and capabilities were prior to admission.
• To support with the patients and families expectations about discharge destinations within the capability of partner agencies.
• Attend MDT and update notes and systems as appropriate.
• Document verbal instructions and discussions in regard to patient discharge pathway
• Any other requirements deemed appropriate by complex discharge team as commensurate to grade.
• To communicate effectively at all times within the team, other health care professionals and with the patient family, carers/visitors.
• Ensure high standards are maintained in a safe environment, which promotes equality and sensitivity for all individuals.
• Ability to prioritise workload daily and adapt as needed.

At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.

Our Mission is to work in partnership to provide high quality, compassionate services and to nurture an environment where people can be at their best. Our vision is healthier lives, empowered citizens, thriving communities.

We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.

We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application materials. While this is not discouraged, we kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role.

Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process. We value honesty and appreciate applications that are genuine and representative of the individual behind them.

For further details / informal visits contact: Name: Victoria Sayers Job title: Discharge Lead Email address: [e-mail] Telephone number: 01305 253137