Job summary
OPEN TO INTERNAL MPFT APPLICANTS ONLY

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Patient Flow Coordinator to join our Integrated Complex Assessment Team (ICAT), supporting the flow of patients through our Discharge to Assess (D2A) pathways.

You will work closely with Discharge Facilitators, clinical teams, social care, patients, families and wider health and social care partners to support safe, timely and effective discharge from D2A and community hospital beds.

You will track patient journeys, identify and proactively address delays, monitor length of stay, coordinate planned discharges and support effective utilisation of D2A beds. You will attend MDT and partnership meetings, maintain accurate patient-flow information and escalate barriers where required.

We are looking for someone who:

• Understands patient flow, discharge planning and health and social care processes, including Continuing Healthcare (CHC).
• Can build effective relationships with clinical, social care and wider partners.
• Is organised, able to prioritise competing demands and work at pace.
• Uses initiative to problem solve and professionally challenge delays.
• Has excellent communication and IT skills and can maintain accurate records.
• Is confident managing challenging conversations with patients, families and professionals.

Main duties of the job

• To attend Multi-Disciplinary/ Best Interest meetings to track and update patient journeys which may involve some travelling across D2A footprint to assist with the flow of patients through the service.
• To work pro-actively offering professional challenge to expedite discharges - reporting any delays or issues to Senior Flow Co-ordinator and Service leads.
• Practical and technical problem solving skills to maintain the flow throughout the service by using own initiative and persuasion at times using relationships and written or verbal communication to reduce length of stay and throughout, helping colleagues achieve the same by sharing knowledge.
• Able to work under pressure and to deadlines
• Liaison with families and professionals including external agencies to provide timely updates and discharges with the booking of transport.
• To monitor and report on LOS with responsibility of meeting proposed targets within the local health economy.
• Reporting of planned discharges to internal teams to facilitate timely admissions and discharges from acute settings

About us
Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.

We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.

We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.

We are 'United in our Uniqueness' and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.

Please note, we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications

Please note: If you use Artificial Intelligence (AI) as part of your application, we encourage you to review the Trust's guidance on the use of AI within the recruitment process. Further information can be found on Join Us :: Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust or www.mpft.nhs.uk/joinus

Job responsibilities
This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. If it is identified that you require sponsorship to undertake this role your application may be withdrawn

The role covers the D2A footprint across Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford and surrounding areas. You must have access to a car and be able to travel independently across the footprint as required.

The Patient Flow Coordinator will work as part of the Integrated Complex Assessment Team (ICAT), supporting the effective and timely flow of patients through Discharge to Assess (D2A) and community hospital pathways.

The postholder will work under the guidance of the Senior Patient Flow Coordinator and Patient Flow Team Lead and will work collaboratively with Discharge Facilitators, clinical teams, social care, patients, families and wider health and social care partners.

The role requires the postholder to work proactively across the D2A footprint covering Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford and surrounding areas, travelling between locations as required to support patient flow and discharge. The postholder must have access to a car and be able to travel independently across the D2A footprint.

Main Responsibilities
Patient Flow and Discharge Coordination

• Coordinate and support the flow of patients through D2A and community hospital beds, ensuring patients progress through their pathway in a timely and effective manner.
• Track individual patient journeys from referral through assessment, placement and discharge, ensuring that actions and outcomes are accurately recorded and progressed.
• Monitor patient admissions, transfers and planned discharges to support the effective utilisation of available D2A beds.
• Proactively identify delays, barriers and risks affecting patient progression and take appropriate action to resolve these wherever possible.
• Work closely with Discharge Facilitators and other members of the multidisciplinary team to ensure agreed actions are progressed within appropriate timescales.
• Monitor length of stay and identify patients who may be experiencing delays, escalating concerns and barriers to the Senior Patient Flow Coordinator or appropriate service lead where required.
• Support the identification and progression of patients who are ready for discharge, ensuring planned discharges are communicated to relevant teams to support timely admissions into available beds.

Assessment, Funding and Pathway Progression

• Track the progress of assessments and other actions required to facilitate discharge, including health and social care assessments and funding processes.
• Liaise with relevant professionals and partner organisations to progress outstanding assessments, funding decisions, care arrangements and other barriers to discharge.
• Identify when a patient requires further clinical assessment or input and ensure this is appropriately communicated and escalated to the relevant clinical team.
• Use available clinical and patient information to understand the patient's current position within the pathway and identify the actions required to progress their discharge.

Multidisciplinary and Partnership Working

• Attend MDT, Best Interest, MADE and other relevant meetings to provide and obtain updates regarding patient progress and agree actions to support discharge.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with D2A staff, clinical teams, social care, local authority services, Single Bed Hub and other internal and external partners.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families and professionals, providing timely updates and ensuring relevant information is shared appropriately.
• Work collaboratively with partners to resolve issues and prevent unnecessary delays to patient discharge.
• Use professional challenge, persuasion and effective relationship management to support timely progression of patient pathways.

Problem Solving and Escalation

• Proactively identify operational problems, delays and blockages that may affect patient flow, length of stay or D2A capacity.
• Use initiative and practical problem-solving skills to identify appropriate solutions and progress issues wherever possible.
• Escalate unresolved delays, risks and barriers to the appropriate senior colleague or service lead in a timely manner.
• Recognise the impact that delays in individual patient pathways can have on wider D2A capacity and acute hospital flow.
• Prioritise competing demands and manage workload effectively, particularly during periods of increased pressure or high demand.

Data, Systems and Performance

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient information on relevant in-house tracking and information systems.
• Ensure patient information, admissions, transfers, discharges, assessments and supporting documentation are accurately recorded.
• Monitor and report on length of stay, planned discharges and patient flow information to support operational oversight and performance monitoring.
• Prepare and provide accurate information and reports for meetings and relevant internal and external stakeholders.
• Use Microsoft Office, Excel, Teams and relevant clinical and patient-tracking systems to support the effective management of patient flow.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure all patient information is managed in accordance with Trust policies and procedures.

Communication and Patient/Family Engagement

• Adapt communication appropriately to meet the needs of patients, families and professionals, including individuals who may have cognitive impairment or communication difficulties.
• Provide reassurance and support to patients and families during the discharge process and ensure they receive appropriate and timely information.
• Participate in and, where appropriate, support difficult or challenging conversations relating to discharge and patient progression.
• Liaise with families and professionals to coordinate practical arrangements for discharge, including transport where required.

Team Working and Service Support

• Work flexibly as part of the Patient Flow Team, supporting colleagues and sharing workload to meet service priorities and deadlines.
• Provide appropriate cover for colleagues during periods of absence and support the continuity of the service.
• Contribute to team meetings, huddles and other operational discussions to support effective communication and patient flow.
• Support the induction and development of new members of the team and share knowledge and experience with colleagues.
• Undertake minute taking, basic audits, surveys and other administrative or service development activities as required.
• Contribute to the identification of opportunities to improve patient flow, discharge processes and the effective use of D2A capacity.

Governance, Safety and Professional Responsibilities

• Support the accurate recording and reporting of incidents, safeguarding concerns and other risks through the appropriate Trust systems.
• Maintain awareness of and comply with Trust policies, procedures and relevant legislation.
• Maintain mandatory and statutory training requirements and participate in appraisal, personal development and learning activities.
• Maintain appropriate standards of confidentiality, information governance, infection prevention and control, health and safety and safeguarding.
• Work within the limits of own competence and seek appropriate advice or support where required.
• Promote the Trust's values and demonstrate professionalism, respect and a commitment to improving the experience and outcomes of patients and families.

Person Specification
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES
Essential

• Knowledge and understanding of social care processes, including the assessment, commissioning and funding of care and support services

Desirable

• Knowledge and understanding of Continuing Healthcare (CHC) processes and the role of health and social care in determining appropriate funding and care arrangements.

EXPERIENCE
Essential

• Experience of working within a health, social care, community or hospital environment, with an understanding of patient flow and discharge pathways.
• Experience of working collaboratively with a range of clinical and non-clinical professionals and external partner organisations.
• Experience of coordinating and progressing actions to support timely discharge and transfer of care

Desirable

• Experience of working within a Discharge to Assess, intermediate care, community hospital or patient flow service
• Experience of monitoring or reporting length of stay, patient flow, capacity or other performance information.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. If it is identified that you require sponsorship to undertake this role your application may be withdrawn