Specialist Speech & Language Therapist - Adult Acute Inpatients

Band 7 Full time 6 month fixed term post to cover winter pressures

We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Speech and Language Therapist to join the acute in-patient service at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. This post is a fixed term position to cover winter pressures and joins our team of 26.2 WTE SLTs and 1.4 WTE SLT assistants.

Main duties of the job

You will be based at St Thomas' Hospital and will be responsible for delivering high-quality care to adult inpatients with communication and/or swallowing disorders on the fast-paced acute medical and surgical wards. You will work closely with the motivated and proactive MDT to enhance patient care and experience as well as facilitating efficient and safe discharge from hospital or transfer to other specialisms as appropriate.

Suitable applicants will have significant experience of working at a post-graduate level, independently managing adults with acquired communication and swallowing disorders. Experience of instrumental assessment and leadership/supervision experience is essential. Teaching will be a significant part of the role and you will participate in nurse/medical education as needed.

About us

The Adult Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) Department at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital consists of 26.2 WTE SLTs and 1.4 WTE SLT Assistants. We have considerable expertise within the team with members representing the profession on a number of regional and national groups as well as contributing to both local and national guidance and research.

There is a strong ethos of clinical support and supervision within the team. The service is able to offer you excellent supervision and peer support, with an emphasis on team working.

Job description

Job responsibilities

To provide highly specialist independent clinical management of inpatients with disorders of communication / swallowing referred from acute medicine.

To demonstrate an advanced level of clinical decision making to independently assess, make a clinical diagnosis and implement specialised therapeutic and/or compensatory programmes of care for patients with complex communication and swallowing disorders.

To have specialist knowledge of complex conditions presenting to the acute wards, including conditions linked to older age and frailty, and their impact on communication and swallowing. To offer support and second opinions to other members of the SLT team.

To be a specialist resource for Acute Medicine multidisciplinary teams regarding management of swallowing and communication disorders. As a core member of the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) to influence decision making regarding treatment planning and consequences for rehabilitation of communication and swallowing. To use strong negotiation skills in order to support and advocate for patients and carers, contributing to best interests discussions and decisions.

To be a specialist resource for multidisciplinary teams regarding management and decision making with patients eating and drinking at risk

To take an active role in regular MDTs, huddles, clinic briefings and ward rounds.

To closely liaise with referring consultants, other medical staff, nurses and community teams to provide optimum treatment and support for patients acutely admitted to hospital.

Person Specification

Professional Registration

Essential

• Registered member of HCPC

Qualifications/Education

Essential

• Masters or equivalent level of post-graduate specialist training, specific training appropriate to role and attendance of relevant CEN
• Attendance at advanced dysphagia training including completion of videofluoroscopy competencies

Desirable

• Completion of FEES Interpretation competencies

Previous Experience

Essential

• Significant specialist experience of working with adults with acquired disorders of communication and swallowing in an acute hospital setting
• Significant experience of working as an integral member of a multi-disciplinary team
• Experience of support and supervision of junior staff
• Experience of development and delivery of informal and formal training of other professionals

Desirable

• Experience of working in community settings

Skills/Knowledge/Ability

Essential

• Advanced videofluoroscopy competency and training and ability to lead examinations
• Knowledge of key factors to consider in supporting patients, carers and the MDT in discussions and management of eating and drinking when there is a risk of deterioration
• Good, reliable team worker and also able to work effectively on own initiative and under pressure

Desirable

• Experience of management of patients with tracheostomy
• Experience of management of patients with laryngectomy

Employer details

Employer name

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

Address

St Thomas' Hospital

Westminster Bridge Road

London

SE1 7EH

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

196-LIS8792