Patient Flow Co-ordinator

Key Operational Duties To support the coordination of safe and timely patient flow across the hospital, with a focus on effective discharge planning. The post holder will work closely with the multidisciplinary team (MDT) to reduce delays, support patient-centred discharges, and ensure efficient use of hospital beds. 1. Discharge Coordination and Patient Flow Support the coordination of safe, timely, and effective patient discharges in line with Trust policies and procedures. Promote early discharge planning from admission, ensuring patients have clear plans and expected discharge dates. Attend daily ward board rounds/MDT meetings to monitor patient progress, identify barriers, and prioritise discharges. Track and manage planned discharge dates (PDD), focusing on patients due for discharge within 2448 hours. Assist in facilitating same-day discharges and transfers to appropriate community or rehabilitation settings. Identify delays in discharge processes and escalate concerns promptly to senior staff (e.g. Ward Manager, Discharge Team). 2. Multidisciplinary Team Working Work collaboratively with nurses, doctors, therapists, social workers, and discharge teams to support coordinated care planning. Assist in the implementation of MDT-agreed discharge plans. Maintain effective working relationships across wards, departments, and external agencies. Support consistent application of discharge policies and best practices across allocated areas. 3. Communication and Patient Engagement Act as a key point of contact for discharge-related queries within designated wards. Communicate clearly and sensitively with patients, families, and carers about discharge plans, timelines, and expectations. Support patients and carers to understand discharge arrangements, including ongoing care needs. Handle challenging situations professionally and escalate complex issues when required. 4. Care Coordination and External Liaison Liaise with community services, social services, care agencies, and other healthcare providers to organise care packages and placements. Support arrangements for patient transport and ensure discharge logistics are completed efficiently. Facilitate communication between hospital and external services to ensure continuity of care post-discharge. 5. Administration and Information Management Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient information on electronic systems (e.g. EPR, Patient Flow systems). Record discharge plans, referrals, delays, and actions in a timely manner. Support completion of discharge documentation, including discharge summaries and medications (TTAs). Assist in data collection for service monitoring and performance reporting. 6. Service Improvement and Quality Identify delays or inefficiencies in patient flow and report to senior staff. Support implementation of service improvements and discharge initiatives (e.g. Home First). Participate in audits and contribute to improving discharge processes and patient outcomes. Promote good practice and a proactive discharge culture within the team. 7. Professional, Safety and Governance Responsibilities Work within the scope of competence, seeking guidance where necessary. Adhere to Trust policies, including safeguarding, infection control, health & safety, and information governance. Maintain patient confidentiality at all times. Participate in mandatory training, supervision, and appraisal processes. Contribute to maintaining a safe and effective working environment. The job description is not intended to be exhaustive. It is likely that the flow coordinator will be requested to undertake actions not recorded in the job description from time to time in the light of changing circumstances which often occur when making discharge arrangements for patients. Requests may come from internal and external stakeholders. Staff will need to be flexible in meeting any requests which directly support the discharge of patients.