Job summary
Within our lung division, we are looking for a dedicated, hard-working Band 6 Speech and Language Therapist to join the upper airway service based at the Royal Brompton Hospital. The service was set up 10 years ago by Dr James Hull and is now recognized nationally and internationally as a leading centre for the management of upper airway disorders.
We are a small, dynamic team with a vast and highly specialist caseload. As a result, your hard work will not go unnoticed and the opportunities for your learning and development will be second to none. There are 3 SLTs, led by Dr Julia Selby, who sit within the wider upper airway MDT, comprised of world-renowned experts in respiratory medicine and airway disorders. We work closely with highly proficient respiratory physiotherapists and a cognitive behaviour therapist.
Main duties of the job
You will treat patients with various presentations of laryngeal dysfunction, such as chronic refractory cough, inducible laryngeal obstruction, laryngospasm, and related voice and throat symptoms, such as those resulting from severe asthma. It is essential, therefore, that you have some experience of voice, ENT and respiratory disorders, and a genuine passion to expand your understanding of laryngeal and respiratory function. We now deliver therapy remotely and in person, individually and in groups, with ample opportunity for further innovation and service development, such as app-based therapy programmes. You will also participate in the consultant SLT-led laryngoscopy clinic, a core element of our upper airway diagnostic processes.
In addition to advancing your clinical skills, you will be encouraged to participate in audit and research, preparing abstracts and presenting at conferences, and will assist with the development of our excellent Band 5 SLT and in running our upper airway training course. We are keen to retain dedicated staff members and it may be possible, therefore, to progress to a Band 7 role within our team on the successful completion of competencies, with the potential to train in laryngoscopy.
About us
On 1st February 2021, the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals became part of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust - a truly once in a generation development. Together, we are working hard to create a brand new centre of excellence, which will be the global leader in the research and treatment of heart and lung disease in patients from pre-birth to old age.
The upper airway service continues to be based at the Royal Brompton Hospital. We feel extremely fortunate to be working in such a specialist and supportive hospital and to be inspired on a daily basis by our patients. If you have a genuine passion for upper airway work and are keen to be part of a close-knit and forward-thinking team, we would welcome your application.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main tasks and responsibilities
Patient care (both direct and indirect)
- To develop and consolidate specialist SLT skills in managing a caseload of upper airway patients with various symptoms of laryngeal dysfunction, such as chronic cough and inducible laryngeal obstruction. They may present with breathing and voice difficulties, globus and throat discomfort. Some may have co-occurring asthma. Therapy will be mostly in outpatient clinics with a small proportion of inpatient work.
- To undertake all aspects of clinical duties and be supported to be an autonomous practitioner. To be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of clinical work, and to ensure a high standard of clinical care for the patients under own management.
- To demonstrate specialist knowledge of voice, breathing and laryngeal function that can be applied to upper airway disorders, and to become a highly specialist therapist in upper airway disorders.
- To develop a personal development plan with the Consultant SLT.
- To accept clinical responsibility for a designated caseload of patients, and to organise this effectively and efficiently with regard to clinical priorities and use of time.
- To be flexible to balance the fluctuating needs of the caseload. To independently prioritise clinical need and manage time appropriately, with support where necessary.
- To develop and maintain good working relationships with all healthcare professionals involved in patient care and to have a team-minded approach at work, supporting colleagues as necessary.
- To attend and contribute to case conferences, network meetings and ward rounds and to negotiate the required levels of patient care as appropriate as part of an integrated multidisciplinary team. To ensure that a coordinated SLT care plan is formulated which meets individual patients needs.
- To develop and maintain own specialist skills and knowledge in this SLT speciality through personal study, research and designated training courses and to ensure learning is incorporated into the service.
- To undertake informal teaching sessions with patients and their carers relating to upper airway symptoms, relevant to their diagnosis and treatment.
- To attend in-house teaching sessions to peer review articles and maintain critical appraisal skills. To reflect on clinical practice and adapt appropriately according to evidence.
- To work with interpreters offering training and support as necessary.
- To adhere to the infection control policy at all times.
- To be flexible to the needs of the whole Upper Airway service and offer support willingly, and to be able to work under pressure at times.
Service / Policy development
- To assist the Consultant SLT in the formulation and implementation of local policies and protocols based on national policy and professional guidelines related to upper airway and related conditions.
- To assist the Consultant SLT in the development of relevant local clinical guidelines, for best practice as necessary.
- To implement policy and service development changes as required.
- To demonstrate a good understanding of clinical governance and risk management and apply to work situations.
- To be aware of Health and Safety aspects of your work and implement any policies which may be required to improve the safety of your work area; including prompt recording and reporting of incidents to senior staff and ensuring that equipment is safe.
People management
1. To abide by the Trusts core behaviours for staff and all other Trust policies including standing financial instructions, research governance, clinical governance, patient and public involvement, codes and practices, and health and safety policies
2. To assist in the handling of complaints as appropriate.
3. To regularly update the Consultant SLT with regard to relevant service issues.
4. To assist in the management and support of our Band 5 upper airway SLT.
5. To assist the Consultant SLT in teaching student speech & language therapists to a graduate level and supervising them in clinical areas, should we take student placements.
Communication
- To tactfully and diplomatically communicate sensitive and complex condition-related information to patients, relatives and carers who may be distressed.
- To liaise with medical teams, AHP colleagues and the MDT regarding diagnosis and case management.
- To develop and maintain excellent interpersonal skills in order to maintain good working relationships with all healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients.
- To promote the department, the Trust and the profession by participating in joint initiatives with other members of the Upper Airway team as directed by the Consultant SLT.
- To write concise, clear reports regarding current and future needs of the patient.
- To recognise communication breakdown/conflict when it occurs and involve Consultant SLT in generating potential solutions.
- To produce information for patients which is accessible and user friendly and in accordance with Trust policy.
- To regularly attend staff meetings and in-service training.
Resource management
- To be responsible for equipment used in carrying out clinical and administrative work relating to upper airway SLT service, and to adhere to departmental equipment policy, including competence to use equipment and servicing.
Information management
- To maintain clear, accurate clinical records according to team, department and Trust standards.
- To keep up to date with the recording and provision of accurate data to assist the Consultant SLT in demonstrating clinical activity and other performance indicators required for service evaluation
Research and development
- To routinely collect clinical outcomes for analysis, forming part of informal service evaluation, as well as part of formal research activity for presentation at conferences
- To be interested in and participate in SLT or upper airway team clinical research projects and to contribute to MDT research
- To participate in the development and delivery of audit projects appropriate to the posts clinical commitments, with guidance from the Consultant SLT as appropriate
- To participate as a member of the upper airway team in the development of local clinical guidelines, risk assessments and service changes/expansion.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main tasks and responsibilities
Patient care (both direct and indirect)
- To develop and consolidate specialist SLT skills in managing a caseload of upper airway patients with various symptoms of laryngeal dysfunction, such as chronic cough and inducible laryngeal obstruction. They may present with breathing and voice difficulties, globus and throat discomfort. Some may have co-occurring asthma. Therapy will be mostly in outpatient clinics with a small proportion of inpatient work.
- To undertake all aspects of clinical duties and be supported to be an autonomous practitioner. To be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of clinical work, and to ensure a high standard of clinical care for the patients under own management.
- To demonstrate specialist knowledge of voice, breathing and laryngeal function that can be applied to upper airway disorders, and to become a highly specialist therapist in upper airway disorders.
- To develop a personal development plan with the Consultant SLT.
- To accept clinical responsibility for a designated caseload of patients, and to organise this effectively and efficiently with regard to clinical priorities and use of time.
- To be flexible to balance the fluctuating needs of the caseload. To independently prioritise clinical need and manage time appropriately, with support where necessary.
- To develop and maintain good working relationships with all healthcare professionals involved in patient care and to have a team-minded approach at work, supporting colleagues as necessary.
- To attend and contribute to case conferences, network meetings and ward rounds and to negotiate the required levels of patient care as appropriate as part of an integrated multidisciplinary team. To ensure that a coordinated SLT care plan is formulated which meets individual patients needs.
- To develop and maintain own specialist skills and knowledge in this SLT speciality through personal study, research and designated training courses and to ensure learning is incorporated into the service.
- To undertake informal teaching sessions with patients and their carers relating to upper airway symptoms, relevant to their diagnosis and treatment.
- To attend in-house teaching sessions to peer review articles and maintain critical appraisal skills. To reflect on clinical practice and adapt appropriately according to evidence.
- To work with interpreters offering training and support as necessary.
- To adhere to the infection control policy at all times.
- To be flexible to the needs of the whole Upper Airway service and offer support willingly, and to be able to work under pressure at times.
Service / Policy development
- To assist the Consultant SLT in the formulation and implementation of local policies and protocols based on national policy and professional guidelines related to upper airway and related conditions.
- To assist the Consultant SLT in the development of relevant local clinical guidelines, for best practice as necessary.
- To implement policy and service development changes as required.
- To demonstrate a good understanding of clinical governance and risk management and apply to work situations.
- To be aware of Health and Safety aspects of your work and implement any policies which may be required to improve the safety of your work area; including prompt recording and reporting of incidents to senior staff and ensuring that equipment is safe.
People management
1. To abide by the Trusts core behaviours for staff and all other Trust policies including standing financial instructions, research governance, clinical governance, patient and public involvement, codes and practices, and health and safety policies
2. To assist in the handling of complaints as appropriate.
3. To regularly update the Consultant SLT with regard to relevant service issues.
4. To assist in the management and support of our Band 5 upper airway SLT.
5. To assist the Consultant SLT in teaching student speech & language therapists to a graduate level and supervising them in clinical areas, should we take student placements.
Communication
- To tactfully and diplomatically communicate sensitive and complex condition-related information to patients, relatives and carers who may be distressed.
- To liaise with medical teams, AHP colleagues and the MDT regarding diagnosis and case management.
- To develop and maintain excellent interpersonal skills in order to maintain good working relationships with all healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients.
- To promote the department, the Trust and the profession by participating in joint initiatives with other members of the Upper Airway team as directed by the Consultant SLT.
- To write concise, clear reports regarding current and future needs of the patient.
- To recognise communication breakdown/conflict when it occurs and involve Consultant SLT in generating potential solutions.
- To produce information for patients which is accessible and user friendly and in accordance with Trust policy.
- To regularly attend staff meetings and in-service training.
Resource management
- To be responsible for equipment used in carrying out clinical and administrative work relating to upper airway SLT service, and to adhere to departmental equipment policy, including competence to use equipment and servicing.
Information management
- To maintain clear, accurate clinical records according to team, department and Trust standards.
- To keep up to date with the recording and provision of accurate data to assist the Consultant SLT in demonstrating clinical activity and other performance indicators required for service evaluation
Research and development
- To routinely collect clinical outcomes for analysis, forming part of informal service evaluation, as well as part of formal research activity for presentation at conferences
- To be interested in and participate in SLT or upper airway team clinical research projects and to contribute to MDT research
- To participate in the development and delivery of audit projects appropriate to the posts clinical commitments, with guidance from the Consultant SLT as appropriate
- To participate as a member of the upper airway team in the development of local clinical guidelines, risk assessments and service changes/expansion.
Person Specification
Essential
Essential
- Minimum 2 years clinical experience post-qualification
- Experience of treating voice and respiratory disorders
- Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team in a hospital setting
Desirable
- Experience of working with upper airway patients
- Evidence of interest and independent learning in upper airway disorders specifically
Experience
Essential
- Experience of treating voice and respiratory disorders
- Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team in a hospital setting
Desirable
- Experience of working with upper airway patients
- Evidence of interest and independent learning in upper airway disorders specifically
Skills
Essential
- Competent in basic computer skills i.e. Microsoft packages such as Word, Excel, Outlook
Desirable
- Skills in PowerPoint and other computer presentation programmes
Person Specification
Essential
Essential
- Minimum 2 years clinical experience post-qualification
- Experience of treating voice and respiratory disorders
- Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team in a hospital setting
Desirable
- Experience of working with upper airway patients
- Evidence of interest and independent learning in upper airway disorders specifically
Experience
Essential
- Experience of treating voice and respiratory disorders
- Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team in a hospital setting
Desirable
- Experience of working with upper airway patients
- Evidence of interest and independent learning in upper airway disorders specifically
Skills
Essential
- Competent in basic computer skills i.e. Microsoft packages such as Word, Excel, Outlook
Desirable
- Skills in PowerPoint and other computer presentation programmes
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
