Discharge planning. Oiling the wheels.

: A liaison nurse can ensure effective discharge planning, enhance the services provided and introduce quality improvements. Employing a liaison nurse in a children's private patient directorate has reduced the length of patient stay, and stopped wards being used for outpatient sessions for children receiving follow-up treatment. Ward nurses have more time to spend with inpatients, so that children and their families benefit from a more comprehensive service and continuity of care is improved.