Highly Specialist SLT - Critical Care and Cardiothoracics

Job description

Job responsibilities

Communication

1.1 To provide highly specialist advice and input for NHS and Private Inpatients with communication and swallowing needs at Royal Brompton Hospital.

1.2 To liaise with SLTs, AHPs, medical and nursing teams, and other members of the MDT regarding prioritisation, case management and risk management of patients with communication and swallowing disorders.

1.3 To demonstrate interpersonal skills that grow and maintain positive working relationships with all healthcare professionals involved in patient care.

1.4 To communicate sensitive and complex information and sometimes unwelcome news tactfully and diplomatically to patients, parents and carers, acknowledging this may trigger a range of emotions, and to provide ongoing counselling and support.

1.5 To promote and contribute to multi-professional team building and collaborative practices, e.g. knowledge and skills sharing, joint working.

1.6 To ensure close liaison with SLT colleagues in the community to ensure adequate handover of individual cases working towards a seamless service.

1.7 To promote the department, the Trust and the profession by participating in joint initiatives with other members of the team as required by the operational and professional leadership team.

1.8 To write comprehensive, clear reports to inform medical, education and social services with regard to current and future needs of the patient.

1.9 To recognise communication breakdown/conflict when it occurs and generate potential solutions.

1.10 To network with other SLTs locally, nationally and internationally.

1.11 To produce information for patients which is accessible and user friendly and in accordance with Trust policy.

1.12 To demonstrate empathy with patients and their carers, particularly in situations where they may be highly stressed or grieving and where barriers to understanding may exist (e.g. linguistic and cultural differences).

1.13 To contribute positively and constructively to staff meetings and in-service trainings.

Patient/customer care (both direct and indirect)

2.1 To provide specialist assessment, differential diagnosis, treatment and management for adults with acute and chronic disorders of communication and swallowing problems including tracheostomy and ventilator-dependence. This may be in a variety of clinical areas including intensive care, high dependency unit, acute wards, day unit and outpatient clinics.

2.2 To accept responsibility for a caseload of patients and to independently organise work and time so that clinical priorities are met efficiently and effectively.

2.3 To carry out clinical duties as an autonomous practitioner, demonstrating professional and legal responsibility and accountability for all aspects of work.

2.4 To demonstrate highly specialist knowledge of dysphagia related to respiratory conditions, ensuring a high standard of care for patients.

2.5 To provide comprehensive evaluation of swallowing using the instrumental techniques of Videofluoroscopy and Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES), including nasendoscopy, according to agreed competency levels and with supervision and support as needed.

2.6 To be flexible and balance the fluctuating and competing needs of the caseload according to clinical, team, workforce and organisational demands.

2.7 To develop and maintain good working relationships with all healthcare professionals involved in patient care through multidisciplinary team working.

2.8 To attend and contribute to ward / board rounds, multidisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, family meetings, network meetings, etc, advocating and negotiating for the required levels of care and input for patients with communication and swallowing needs.

2.9 To formulate, coordinate and deliver an individualised patient care plan that addressed the patients communication and swallowing needs.

2.10 To participate in the multidisciplinary follow up of patients.

2.11 To maintain skills and knowledge in alternative and augmentative communication systems and aids.

2.12 To develop and maintain skills and knowledge in the speciality area through continuous professional development activities including but not limited to self-directed study, journal club, reflective practice, shadowing, and attendance at inhouse and external training courses as identified in their Appraisal, and to ensure learning is shared and incorporated into the service.

2.13 To deliver teaching and training to patients and carers relating to communication and swallowing disorders as relevant to their diagnosis and treatment or management plan.

2.14 To develop and maintain skills in critical appraisal and reflection on clinical practice, adapting clinical practice appropriately according to the principles of evidence based practice.

2.15 To work with interpreters offering training and support as necessary.

2.16 To adhere to the infection control policy at all times.

2.17 To be aware and flexible to the needs of the wider SLT service and demonstrate ability to work in other clinical areas as requested by Professional and Therapy Leads.

Policy & Service development

2.18 To participate in the formulation and implementation of local policies and protocols based on national documents and professional guidelines in collaboration with the Clinical Lead SLT.

2.19 To collaborate with other acute SLT colleagues outside the Trust and assist in the formulation and implementation of local policies based on national policies and protocols related to communication and swallowing.

2.20 To participate in the development of local clinical guidelines, risk assessment and service improvement initiatives.

2.21 To implement policy and service changes as required.

2.22 To demonstrate a good understanding of clinical governance and risk management and apply to work situations.

2.23 To be aware of Health and Safety aspects of work and implement policies required to improve the safety of the work area, including prompt recording and reporting of incidents and ensuring that equipment is safe.

2.24 To ensure all team members, patients and carers have a voice in the development of communication and dysphagia services.

Resource management

2.25 To assist in the monitoring and maintenance of stock requirements of swallowing and communication equipment.

2.26 To maintain efficient clinical and departmental administrative procedures.

People management

2.27 To understand responsibilities and accountability for line management and clinical supervision with the operational and professional leads.

2.28 To use skills of teaching, supervision, mentoring, coaching and leading to ensure the clinical performance and line management of junior SLT staff, therapy assistants and students where appropriate.

2.29 To participate fully in regular 121s and the yearly appraisal process for self and others.

2.30 To assist in the handling of complaints and investigations as appropriate.

2.31 To regularly update the Therapy Team Lead, Operational Lead and Clinical Lead with regard to relevant issues.

Information management

2.32 To adhere to local and national policies and procedures relating to clinical documentation, activity recording, and incident reporting in order to ensure the provision of a safe, efficient and high-quality service.

2.33 To maintain and present data on behalf of the team for activity/audit.

2.34 To maintain clear, accurate clinical records and to write timely reports and letters according to Trust, RCSLT and HCPC standards.

Research and development

2.35 To participate in the development and delivery of research and development projects including audit, service evaluation, quality improvement, and primary research with guidance from Therapy team and Professional Leads

2.36 To represent the Trust at regional, national and international conferences and on working groups as appropriate.

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential

• Degree accredited by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
• HCPC registration
• Post-graduate dysphagia training or equivalent supervised experience
• Completion of post-qualification education (e.g. short courses)

Desirable

• Registration with RCSLT

Experience and Knowledge

Essential

• In-depth knowledge and experience in assessing and treating communication and swallowing disorders in adults
• Post-qualification experience in adult dysphagia including: oVF clinician oRCSLT 2a FEES assessor or equivalent ocompetence in performing flexible nasendoscopy
• oexperience of working with patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation, NIV, TIV and HFNO.

Desirable

• Knowledge and experience of managing vocal fold movement impairment following surgical procedures
• Experience of working with patients following cardiothoracic surgery, ECMO, ARDS and ICU-AW
• Completion of Lead VF competencies
• Experience working in a private patient setting

Skills and abilities

Essential

• Able to work as an autonomous practitioner demonstrating problem-solving and solution-focused skills, seeking guidance and support when necessary

Desirable

• Completion of Practice Educator training and delivery of student placements

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Bromtpon Hospital

Sydney Street

London

SW3 6NP

Employer's website

https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/careers/careers.aspx (Opens in a new tab)