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Job 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 , Flow Team  and 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 attend weekly Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) with the discharge team and weekly MDT on the allocated ward and length of stay meetings.

Main duties of the job

Duties will include:
- To ensure quality care and support service which enables patients to be supported throughout their care pathway whilst promoting independence and protecting choice, dignity, privacy and safety.

- 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 discharge team.

- To assist the wider MDT in facilitating a safe and timely transfer out of the hospital environment for all ward patients.

- To ensure early conversations are initiated with the patient, /carer to ensure the following:

- 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
- Managing patient and family expectations about discharge destinations within the capability of partner agencies
- Attend daily board rounds prompting for EDD and CDD updates.
- Seek advice from discharge team at earliest opportunity if a complex need is identified.
- Any other requirements deemed appropriate by line manager commensurate to grade
- To communicate effectively at all times within the team, other health care professionals and with the patient family, carers/ visitors.

Working for our organisation

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 provide outstanding care for people in ways which matter to them, and our vision is Dorset County Hospital, working with our health and social care partners, will be at the heart of improving the well-being of our 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.