Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Discharge Co-ordinator

The closing date is 30 November 2025

Job summary

This is an excellent opportunity for a dynamic, organised and enthusiastic person to join our in-patient ward team in Westminster Memorial Hospital.

This role is pivotal for the safe and timely discharges for our patients. The post holder will work with the ward MDT, social services, patients, and their families/friends to support and facilitate early discharge planning.

To build a deeper understanding of patient need, through conversation as soon after admission as possible, regarding patients home environment and family circumstances, bringing in the right expertise at the right time and seeking innovative solutions.

To clearly set expectations around the discharge journey from hospital to patients and their relatives.

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust has 8 community hospitals across Dorset that work collaboratively and share best practice. The post holder will become part of this team and benefit from the support and shared learning this involves. There is regular training provided for all discharge co-ordinators and peer supervision to enable you to feel well supported and valued.

Employment in this post requires a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service are able to present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.

Main duties of the job

You will be expected to work in the ward environment as a Discharge Co-Ordinator alongside the MDT to ensure that effective admission and discharge processes are undertaken.

Ensure effective communication with the MDT, social services, cluster leads, SPA and voluntary agencies regarding simple and complex needs identified during the admission process.

To provide effective discharge planning to patients and their representatives that facilitates timely discharge.

To ensure all appropriate literature is disseminated and understood by patients and their next-of-kin's. This will assist in settings their expectations and highlight any concerns early in their admission.

To cover a 7 day a week rota to support discharges 7 days a week.

Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.

About us

At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.

We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.

Details

Date posted

12 November 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£9,974 to £10,639 a year p.a.

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

152-C243.25

Job locations

Shaston Wd-Westminster Memorial Hospital - Shaftesbury

Abbey Walk

Shaftesbury

SP7 8BD


Job description

Job responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

We understand that using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application. However, we have also seen an increase in the over-reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidates individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience. If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its entirety. If we suspect you have used AI to create your supporting statement and this does not match your experience, we may withdraw your application.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contactdhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

Job description

Job responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

We understand that using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application. However, we have also seen an increase in the over-reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidates individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience. If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its entirety. If we suspect you have used AI to create your supporting statement and this does not match your experience, we may withdraw your application.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contactdhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

Person Specification

Knowledge, skills and training

Essential

  • GCSE Grade C, or above/equivalent in English Language and Mathematics & NVQ 3 in administration or similar experience

Personal qualities/attributes

Essential

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with patients, relatives, and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Demonstrates empathy, sensitivity, and professionalism when supporting patients and families during complex or emotional situations.

Desirable

  • Experience of completing patient related assessments taking into account wishes of individual or carer

Essential

Essential

  • Computer literate with proficient use of Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and other Microsoft Office applications.
  • Confident in using digital forms, data entry systems, and email communication tools to support patient flow and discharge processes.

essential

Essential

  • Resilient, adaptable, and solution-focused under pressure.
Person Specification

Knowledge, skills and training

Essential

  • GCSE Grade C, or above/equivalent in English Language and Mathematics & NVQ 3 in administration or similar experience

Personal qualities/attributes

Essential

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with patients, relatives, and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Demonstrates empathy, sensitivity, and professionalism when supporting patients and families during complex or emotional situations.

Desirable

  • Experience of completing patient related assessments taking into account wishes of individual or carer

Essential

Essential

  • Computer literate with proficient use of Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and other Microsoft Office applications.
  • Confident in using digital forms, data entry systems, and email communication tools to support patient flow and discharge processes.

essential

Essential

  • Resilient, adaptable, and solution-focused under pressure.

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Shaston Wd-Westminster Memorial Hospital - Shaftesbury

Abbey Walk

Shaftesbury

SP7 8BD


Employer's website

https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Shaston Wd-Westminster Memorial Hospital - Shaftesbury

Abbey Walk

Shaftesbury

SP7 8BD


Employer's website

https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Discharge and Flow Matron

Ana Apopei

ana-maria.apopei@nhs.net

07825859011

Details

Date posted

12 November 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£9,974 to £10,639 a year p.a.

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

152-C243.25

Job locations

Shaston Wd-Westminster Memorial Hospital - Shaftesbury

Abbey Walk

Shaftesbury

SP7 8BD


Supporting documents

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