Overview
This post is essential for the delivery of a fully integrated discharge service across Pennine Lancashire. The Integrated Discharge service therapist undertakes highly skilled and specialised work to support the assessing and treating of patients, to facilitate complex discharges and improve clinical flow throughout the trust to improve access to acute services. This role provides pro-active and responsive support to the Divisional Therapy Lead, working across all ELHT sites to meet the needs of the Complex Case Management Service. The post requires in-depth knowledge and skills to act as a resource for ward staff at all levels and other multi-disciplinary professionals, ensuring a consistent and informed approach in relation to effective and timely discharge from hospital. Home assessments with patients who have complex needs are carried out, followed by comprehensive documentation from these visits.
Responsibilities
- Provide pro-active and responsive support to the Divisional Therapy Lead.
- Work across all ELHT sites to meet the needs of an efficient Complex Case Management Service.
- Advise, assist and navigate ELHT staff through the discharge planning process to plan and meet future care needs to facilitate a safe and timely discharge from hospital.
- Have in-depth knowledge and skills to act as a resource for ward staff at all levels and other multi-disciplinary professionals, ensuring there is a consistent and informed approach in relation to effective and timely discharge planning.
- Promote and maintain effective communication channels between all Health and Social Care departments/agencies in the acute and community settings.
- Proactively advise and support staff to initiate the early discharge planning of patients with vulnerable/complex needs, ensuring appropriate assessments are completed in a timely manner to facilitate discharge.
- Maintain accurate records and participate in internal or Department of Health audits as required in relation to the discharge planning process.
- Ensure compliance with other related Trust Policies and Department of Health Legislation regarding the discharge planning processes.
- Screen referrals made to the Central Point of Referral and signpost to alternative pathways as appropriate to meet identified needs.
- Carry out home assessments with patients who have complex social issues (e.g., chaotic lifestyles/rehousing/refurnishing) which can take significant time if a ward therapist or social worker were to handle alone.
- Provide verbal and written feedback about the progress of patients’ assessment and treatment, including the typing of comprehensive documentation from visits and clinical input.
- Take patients home to settle or visit post-discharge to prevent readmission.
- Utilise mental health knowledge and carry out in-depth cognitive assessments.
- Carry out second opinion assessments when there is a dispute between health professionals and the patient or their families, for example a decision around home versus bed base.
- Use social services IT systems in conjunction with the trusted assessment documentation and set up new packages of care for patients.
Requirements
- In-depth knowledge and skills to act as a resource for ward staff at all levels and other multi-disciplinary professionals, ensuring a consistent and informed approach to discharge planning.
- Ability to provide pro-active and responsive support across ELHT sites and to advise and navigate staff through discharge planning processes.
- Experience in carrying out home assessments with patients who have complex needs and documenting findings comprehensively.
- Commitment to maintaining accurate records and participating in audits and adherence to relevant policies and legislation.
This advert closes on Wednesday 15 Apr 2026
#J-18808-Ljbffr