The sessions have returned due to popular demand as feedback within our recent staff survey showed that teams liked having this method of sharing all of the great stuff that they are doing.
Bernie Miller, Ward Manager, Pam Cuthbert, Sister, and the discharge lounge team welcomed the team to the discharge lounge for the next session.
The discharge team supports patient flow through the hospitals by facilitating timely discharge. The discharge lounge at Preston is a facility for those patients who have been discharged from wards but who may be awaiting transport or medication – which frees up the inpatient bed for the next admission. Currently the lounge opens from 8am - 6pm and looks after ambulatory patients, but from March the team are looking to develop the service to include three male and three female beds which will further improve patient flow by releasing ward capacity sooner.
The discharge lounge aims to take pressure away from our emergency department and improve patient flow from various wards and departments. The team work alongside staff around the hospital to identify and pre-empt discharges and proactively seek to ensure that medication is ready etc. to ensure a timely discharge for all patients.
The team are also now booking transport for patients to ease the pressure for ward staff, and to ensure that relevant transport can easily locate the patient as they may move around after ward staff have already booked the transport. Due to the location of the discharge lounge at the front of the hospital, this also makes it easier. The location of the lounge also makes for a brighter, comforting environment for patients who can look out of the large windows and rest whilst they wait to go home. Around 30% of patients need transport booking for them and the team ensure that this happens as quick as they can.
The team receive excellent feedback from patients. A recent comment read: “This is a brilliant method of discharge. It’s so organised and the staff are really pleasant.” Bernie said: “Getting feedback like that is absolutely brilliant; it just brings a tear to your eye knowing that you are doing a good job for your patients.”
The team all come from different backgrounds so have a wide knowledge of all areas within our hospitals. And they have big plans to come!
Karen Partington said: “It truly is the little things that make a big difference. The team are working so hard to ensure that our patients have the best experience possible, and this will make a lasting impression on our patients. I’m so pleased that uptake of this service is improving and am excited to see where you can go by your next Fab Friday session!”