Are you an experienced Speech and Language Therapist with leadership qualities looking for a new challenge?

We are seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic individual to support, lead, and provide clinical input to the Stroke and Neurology Unit, Musgrove Park Hospital (MPH) based in Taunton. This is a newly formed post due to expansion of the Stroke and Neurology Unit and provides an excellent opportunity to develop the acute stroke pathway in close liaison with the Pathway Lead for Community Stroke, Allied Health Professional (AHP) colleagues and medical staff. You will also provide leadership for the acute SLT stroke team based in Yeovil District Hospital (YDH).

The successful candidate will also be experienced in videofluoroscopy (VF) and ideally trained in MBS Imp Protocol. You will undertake running a VF clinic as part of a rota with other qualified staff and will be responsible for analysis and report writing.

We are an incredibly supportive team and you will have the opportunity to have mutual support from other Band 7 Pathway Leads and the Senior Management Team. We have a clear line management supervision structure and supervision occurs on a regular and consistent basis along with continuing professional development opportunities.

Main duties of the job

• To be the Pathway Lead for Acute Stroke overseeing the delivery of Adult Speech and Language Therapy Services to the Stroke and Neurology Unit MPH and Acute Stroke Ward, Yeovil District Hospital (YDH).
• Is professionally and legally responsible and accountable for managing a highly complex acute stroke caseload.
• To liaise closely with the Pathway Lead SLT for Community Stroke in order to provide a seamless transition of care as part of the integrated stroke pathway.
• Has in-depth knowledge of clinical specialist area but also a wider understanding of the Adult Speech and Language Therapy Stroke Pathway.
• Responsible for devising, implementing, and reviewing acute stroke pathway for Speech and Language Therapy across Stroke and Neurology Unit, MPH and Acute Stroke Unit, YDH.
• Provides expert and evidence-based care for patients with communication and swallowing disorders following stroke.
• To be a core member of the stroke MDT within the Stroke and Neurology Unit.
• Responsible for service developments and incorporate and implement these across the acute stroke pathway where appropriate.
• To have a full understanding of the National Clinical Guideline for stroke (2023) for the United Kingdom and Ireland. To assimilate, communicate, and implement the recommendations of these revised guidelines as applied to Speech and Language Therapy within the acute setting.
• To be an integral member of the Adult Speech and Language Therapy Senior Management Team.

About us

The Adult Speech and Language Therapy Service in Somerset is a fully integrated service working across two acute hospitals, community rehab centres, community and care homes. We are a friendly and supportive team and offer regular supervision and CPD opportunities.

As an organisation, the NHS offers a wide range of benefits including flexible working, pension contributions, market leading annual leave allowance, career progression, and regular conversations, not to mention our Blue Light Card and NHS exclusive discounts.

The benefits of working in Somerset include the idyllic countryside, with our areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines. You will get to enjoy these perks whilst still only being a stone's throw away from bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath and Exeter and only two hours away from London.

There are excellent educational facilities in the area and, when compared to other regions, house prices are reasonable. You will experience the best of both in Somerset, the countryside and the cosmopolitan - there is truly something for everyone!

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see the attached full job description and person specification for further details regarding the job role.

Person Specification

Qualification

Essential

• BSc in Speech and Language Therapy.
• Post Graduate Competencies in Videofluoroscopy
• Dysphagia Competent Level 5
• Registered with HCPC
• Experience of running dysphagia training sessions.
• Previous experience working with patients who have a diagnosis of Stroke.

Desirable

• Dysphagia Competent Level 6
• Good sound knowledge of National Clinical Guideline for Stroke (2023)
• Extensive leadership and line management experience
• MBS Imp Trained for Videoflurosocopy

Knowledge

Essential

• Able to teach / supervise and support Speech and Language Therapists
• Extensive knowledge of the NHS and working in an acute setting
• Previous experience working with in-patients in acute or rehabilitation settings

Desirable

• Good sound knowledge of National Clinical Guideline for Stroke (2023

Experience

Essential

• Experience of contributing to multidisciplinary team planning through discussion and negotiation therapy groups.
• Extensive experience of managing complex patients in an acute setting
• Extensive experience of managing and supervising staff
• Extensive experience of delivering high quality training

Employer details

Employer name

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Musgrove Park Hospital

Parkfield Drive

Taunton

TA1 5DA

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

184-AR5612497