Joel Phillips

Background

About Joel Phillips

I’m a healthcare leader passionate about making hospital discharge work better for patients, families, and the NHS.My career began as a paramedic, where I learned that the best patient care happens when systems work together seamlessly. That experience across emergency services and mental health gave me a unique perspective on integrated care - seeing patients move through the entire healthcare system, not just individual departments.Now, as Head of Integrated Discharge Service at North Bristol NHS Trust, I lead a team transforming how we support people leaving hospital. We’re implementing the Trust’s Leaving Hospital Strategy 2025-2030, focusing on early discharge planning, coordination across services, and ensuring patients get home safely with the right support.I hold dual MSc qualifications in Healthcare Leadership (University of Birmingham) and Professional Development: Enhancing Paramedic Practice. My published research explores paramedic leadership and healthcare team effectiveness - topics that directly inform my approach to building high-performing discharge teams.What drives me: Creating systems that work, developing people to lead change, and using evidence to improve patient flow and outcomes.Let’s connect if you’re interested in integrated discharge, healthcare leadership, or operational improvement.