Job summary
- Main area
- RN/ AHP
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 5
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week (5 day working pattern)
- Job ref
- 224-PA20240601707-A
- Employer
- The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NSFT
- Town
- Oswestry
- Salary
- £31,049 - £37,796 per annum
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 22/10/2025 23:59
Employer heading

Complex Discharge Practitioner
NHS AfC: Band 5
Here at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, we are very proud of our reputation for providing outstanding care to our patients.
In the National Staff Survey, 74% of our staff would recommend the Trust as a place to work and 92% would recommend the hospital to a friend or relative for treatment.
Our continued success is accomplished through the skills and expertise of our staff, which is underpinned by our values: Professional, Excellence, Respect, Friendly, Inclusive and Caring.
Job overview
The Complex Discharge Practitioner (Band 5) is responsible for delivering skilled nursing care within a multidisciplinary setting, ensuring safe and efficient discharge planning for patients with spinal cord injuries.
The role contributes to maintaining a high standard of patient care, empowering junior staff and facilitating effective communication among care teams. It involves promoting excellence in practice and ensuring quality service delivery in alignment with organisational values and guidelines.
**Please note that we have no access to OSCE support courses, and nurses pending registration are welcome to apply but must be able to evidence that they have satisfied the NMC Objective Structured Clinical Examination Test of Competence**
Main duties of the job
- Provide patient-centered care and maintain specialist knowledge in spinal injuries.
- Act as a resource for junior staff and facilitate their professional development.
- Contribute to the assessment, planning and implementation of care needs.
- Ensure effective communication with patients, families and multidisciplinary teams.
- Uphold the organisation’s diversity and equal opportunities policies.
- Participate in monitoring and improving care standards, including audits.
- Liaise with other professionals to ensure cohesive patient care.
- Manage time effectively to avoid delays in patient discharge planning.
- Promote evidence-based practices and assist in quality initiatives.
- Deputize for the Senior Complex Discharge Practitioner when required.
Working for our organisation
The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic NHS Trust (RJAH) is one of the leading orthopaedic hospitals in the country, with some of the highest levels of staff and patient satisfaction, as well as a strong reputation for research and innovation.
Joining RJAH is more than just a job – we want our people to have the best opportunities to thrive in their role.
We have a range of fantastic staff benefits on offer to everyone who joins RJAH and you'll have access to outstanding professional development opportunities and state-of-the-art facilities – including our recently-opened £6 million Headley Court Veterans’ Orthopaedic Centre (the first unit of its kind in the UK).
RJAH has strong links with a range of universities including Staffordshire, Keele, Glyndwr, Chester and Birmingham.
The hospital is located on a site outside Oswestry in Oswestry, just off the A5. The nearest train station is in Gobowen, approximately two miles from the hospital. The station is part of the Chester to Birmingham line.
We are based in North Shropshire, close to the border with North and Mid Wales. It is one of the most attractive parts of the country, with a rich historic culture and excellent transport links. It offers outstanding opportunities for anyone who enjoys an outdoor lifestyle or is looking to raise a family.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
- Patient Care and Clinical Practice:
- Maintain and improve professional competence.
- Assess and address the care needs of spinal cord injury patients.
- Act as an advocate for patients, ensuring their safety and dignity.
- Facilitate multidisciplinary meetings to support discharge planning.
- Provide emotional support to patients and families during distressing situations.
- Communication:
- Manage sensitive information with tact and empathy.
- Support patients and families in understanding rehabilitation goals and discharge plans.
- Provide clear, accurate communication through various platforms and meetings.
- Education and Training:
- Mentor junior staff, students and visitors.
- Deliver formal and informal teaching sessions on discharge planning and rehabilitation.
- Keep updated with trends in healthcare and participate in continuing professional development.
- Risk Management and Safety:
- Identify and address risks, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
- Participate in infection control and risk management initiatives.
- Maintain accurate patient records and adhere to confidentiality policies.
- Resource and Staff Management:
- Monitor and manage department resources efficiently.
- Support staff induction and ensure adherence to Trust guidelines.
- Facilitate in-house training and promote a positive working atmosphere.
- Service Improvement:
- Assist in implementing service enhancements based on evidence and audit results.
- Contribute to the development of patient and public involvement initiatives.
- Suggest and implement improvements to services, emphasizing professional responsibility.
Person specification
Qualifications/Training
Essential criteria
- Registered Nurse/ Allied Health
- Professional with current registration with NMC/HCPC/Professional Standards Authority
- Degree/ Diploma in relevant profession
Desirable criteria
- Mentorship qualification
Experience
Essential criteria
- A minimum of 12 months experience as a registered professional.
Desirable criteria
- Experience within spinal injuries
- Experience with complex discharge management
Skills & Competencies
Essential criteria
- Able to work on own initiative and under pressure
- Able to work within a multidisciplinary team
- Good communication skills. Written, oral and electronic.
- Ability to adapt to changing pressure of work
Knowledge
Essential criteria
- High level communication skills
- Basic computer skills
- Ability to work within a team and on own initiative
- Articulate and knoweldgable of skills required to deliver high standard of care
- Evidence of ongoing professional development
Desirable criteria
- Knowledge of social care and CHC funding streams
- Knowledge of NHS equipment/ system
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Application numbers
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Hannah Cheesman
- Job title
- Matron
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01691 406515
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