My role is a combined role of Hospital Discharge Planner and Home and Community Support Services Champlain Care Coordinator. I meet with patients from the Inpatient Medical Unit, Convalescent Care, and the ER to assess eligibility and arrange Home and Community Care services, which may include nursing, personal support, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathology, the dietitian, social work and long-term care planning. I also help connect patients with other community services including Kemptville Home Support, the Going Home Program, retirement homes and the Community Paramedic Program, to name a few.

I came to KDH because I liked the idea of the combined role of Discharge Planner and Care Coordinator. It is patient focused. The patient only has to speak to one person about their needs and concerns upon leaving the hospital and that person is the one to arrange services and make referrals to community support. In larger hospitals, this role is split between two people.

I also enjoy working in the small hospital setting. I have gotten to know and work closely with other team members (nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and physicians). We aim to improve the patient experience and hopefully provide the patient with a smooth transition home.