Transforming Urgent and Unscheduled Care

10.1.4 
Social Work and Social Care
Multi-disciplinary working and close collaboration is to be encouraged at all times. While 
diagnosis, treatment and hospital care and recovery are the rightful domain of healthcare 
professionals, on-going social care needs should be led by social work and social care 
professionals who have in-depth knowledge and experience of what can be safely 
provided in the community.
10.1.5 
Primary care
Primary care is often the first contact for patients with an undiagnosed health issue and 
also provide continuing care for various medical conditions. They can exert great 
influence on patient choices and experiences as patients tend to heavily rely on and trust 
in the advice and recommendations of their doctor. Active monitoring of patients while they 
are recovering and receiving care at home ensures timely recovery and prevents 
unnecessary readmission to hospital.

---

24
Version: V5.0 
Topic: Discharge without Delay Discussion Document 
Date: October 2021 
Collaborate. Redesign. Innovate. Transform. 
10.1.6 
Clinical Leadership
Leadership support for the philosophy is required to effectively engage clinicians 
and allied health professionals’ hospital wide. Clinical leadership can provide advice 
on how to best reach clinical audiences and can also be at the forefront of physician 
and allied health communication and education.
10.2 
Key actions

There should be a designated senior person(s) to manage delayed discharge 
performance, with oversight of the Discharge Hub (where applicable), delegated 
authority and funding to make instant decisions, respect and authority to be able to 
challenge poor decision making and control of the data.

Everyone should have a clear understanding of their own roles and responsibilities 
and those of others.

Multi-disciplinary should have the necessary skill mix and ready access to expert 
professional advice.

Teams should be well linked with co-location as the preferred option. Where this is 
not possible, regular ‘virtual’ meetings across teams should be the ideal.