Specialist Speech & Language Therapist – Adult Acute

Job summary

A rare opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and self-motivated speech and language therapist to join the Acute Speech and Language Therapy team at St Helier Hospital. The post is suitable for experienced band 5 or an established band 6 therapist looking to gain experience in hospital setting.

This post is based in an acute hospital and involves working as an integral member of the SLT team alongside the wider MDT on medical wards, including ITU

Applicants should have skills and experience in managing patients with swallowing and communication disorders. We are looking for an enthusiastic, dynamic SLT with a strong interest in Dysphagia, appropriately high communication skills as well as effective time management and organisation skills.The department has close support networks with local community based Speech and Language therapy services, including regular journal clubs and in-service training. Opportunities to develop further skills in both Videofluoroscopy and FEES and tracheostomy management.

Main duties of the job

• Utilising and consolidating specialist SLT skills in the management of patients with swallowing and communication impairments in an acute setting. Caseload may encompass a range of origins such as neurology, respiratory medicine, cardio-thoracic medicine/surgery, gastroenterology, care of the elderly, general surgery, renal medicine and general medicine
• To be responsible for the management of a caseload of adult inpatients with acquired communication and/or swallowing disorders on the acute wards
• To act as a member of the multi-disciplinary team and to contribute to the coordination, overall development and management of Speech & Language Therapy input on the wards
• To develop further skills in the area of Videofluoroscopy and actively participate in the running of the Videofluoroscopy clinic
• To be accountable for own professional action and recognise own professional boundaries, seeking advice as appropriate
• To participate in team meetings, audit and research projects on a regular basis within the Speech and Language Therapy Service
• Training for SLTs, carers and other members of the MDT, as well as supervising students and mentoring junior staff with appropriate support

About us

Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust provides a range of medical services to approximately 490,000 people living across southwest London and northeast Surrey. In addition, we provide more specialist services, in particular renal and neonatal intensive care, to a wider area, covering parts of Sussex and Hampshire.

We serve an area that is rich in diversity, with a mix of urban and rural areas, and differing levels of quality of life. We cover some of the most prosperous postcodes in the country, as well as some poorer areas. Together with our colleagues at NHS Surreyand NHS Sutton and Merton, we work to make sure that we deliver the best possible care to the communities we serve.

The Trust employs approximately 5,000 staff across its hospitals and issupported by over 500 volunteers.