Virtual Ward Coordinator

This is an exciting development opportunity for an experienced administrator to bring their experience and knowledge to the integrated Virtual Ward Team as a Virtual Ward Coordinator.
Virtual ward is a safe and efficient alternative to NHS bedded care. Virtual wards support patients who would otherwise be in hospital to receive the acute care and treatment they need in their own home. This includes either preventing avoidable admissions into hospital or supporting early discharge out of hospital.
The delivery of digitally enabled care (virtual care) including Virtual Wards is a national priority embedded within current health and social care policy. In the 2022-23 priorities and operational planning guidance, systems were asked to deliver Virtual Ward capacity equivalent to 40-50 Virtual Ward ‘beds’ per 100k population by December 2023. This post provides an opportunity to drive and transform the system by embedding the use of digital technology to release pressure on acute care and improve patient outcomes.
Please note that this post is located on site at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and is not a working from home opportunity.
***Please note that applications from temporary workers who have been engaged with the Trust for a minimum of 3 months are welcome.
As we move towards a new era of integrated care and working collaboratively across organisational boundaries, the need for dynamic, focused teamwork is vital.
Working with the Acute Medical Nursing Team you will monitor and ensure the management of patients is efficient and effective, considering the individual needs of the patient and the requirements of the service. A key part of the role will be providing administrative support to all clinical and non-clinical colleagues involved, link in with community teams and other services as requested and work across the wide range of IT systems.
The successful applicant will work closely with the Deputy Service Line Manager and Virtual Ward manager and key stakeholders including Primary care, Community Services, Acute hospital services and others to develop services.
We are a people business – where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. The population is characterised by its diversity - the rural and the urban, the wealthy and pockets of deprivation, and wide variance in health and life expectancy. We work collaboratively with Primary care, Community Services, Acute hospital and other key services to deliver best outcome for the patients.
Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure.
Please note that applications from temporary workers who have been engaged with the Trust for a minimum of 3 months are welcome.
Monitor and run Virtual Ward email inbox
Receive referrals in conjunction with clinical team
Consult Virtual ward clinical team if there are discrepancies in referrals
Register/ manage/ discharge patients on patient management systems required for Virtual Ward.
Invite new patients for clinical outpatient sessions in conjunction with booking rules and guidelines.
Book follow-up appointments that have been requested when instructed to do so by the Virtual Ward team, using appropriate guidelines, e.g. bloods
Liaise with community Coordinator re face to face follow ups, Intravenous capacity.
Telephone patients/ relatives/ carer’s as required.
Take appropriate actions when clinic capacity alters, e.g. cancellations, over-bookings etc.
Notify appropriate staff members of changes/cancellations to clinics.
Work within the framework of the Trusts Waiting List Policy and AGN (Admin Guidance notes) notes notifying the line manager of relevant issues in a timely manner
Priorities own workload including the overseeing of clinics, discharge letters, medical reports, documents and ensuring that any outward documentation is sent to the correct place.
Follow up diagnostic results including scans.
Assist with the improvement and presentation of data collection using appropriate computer software to achieve effective results.
Update and report datasheet during absence / leave.
Provide support in respect of clinical audit responsibilities.
Maintaining comprehensive knowledge of computer systems and sharing knowledge of this with other team members.
Manage performance reports received from Management Team. Amend detail as appropriate or inform them of any problems or queries.
Receive and deal with confidential telephone enquiries from patients. Be able to handle patient complaints.
Follow procedures for: requesting case notes & raising thin files, organizing contents of case notes, requesting/amending transport bookings, requesting and printing of patient documentation.
Ensure all case notes/thin files arriving into and departing from the department are traced on iPMS.
To take an active role in training and mentoring other staff members as requested. Cover opposing areas if requested by line manager.
Place appropriate stock and non-stock orders at the request of Virtual Ward team.
Assist in ensure staff appraisals and staff mandatory training are up to date and conducted in a timely manner.
To assist in the recruitment and selection process
Cover colleagues during times of absence or increased workload as requested.
Assist in maintenance of overall management of the Rota
Assist with the management of the ward clerks leave requests using Health Roster system or its alternative
Assist with the management of sickness according to the Trust Sickness Policy
Work closely with the Virtual Ward management team
Carry out any other clerical duties as determined by the Virtual Ward.
COMMUNICATIONS & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Receive and deal with confidential telephone enquiries from patients. Be able to handle patient complaints.
Liaise with various departments and professionals within the hospital and outside agencies via verbal and written communication.
To be a team member within the office and able to multi skill within the various areas.
To work closely with other admin and clerical staff within the division.
To comply with all infection control policies and guidance, attend relevant updates and report issues of concern to their line manager.
PLEASE SEE JD FOR FULL PRIMARY DUTIES AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY