Job summary
We are a team of highly specialised SLTs fully integrated within the multidisciplinary teams operating across our acute and critical care units. We are transforming the SLT service provision and in addition to our core clinical service, we are focused on delivering service and quality improvements that demonstrate impact and improve people's functional outcomes. We are 'research aware', translating and aligning our practice with the best currently available evidence, and on a journey to becoming 'research active'.
In return for your investment in us, we will support your professional learning and development through supervision and regular 121s, clinical skills training, appraisal and funded CPD opportunities. We draw on our experiences from working in a variety of backgrounds including hyperacute and acute care, brain injury, neurorehab, voice, head & neck, airways, mental health and learning disability. Our team includes staff who are level 2 and 3 FEES practitioners, MBSImP certified, national and international speakers, RCSLT advisers, QI enthusiasts and research champions. The post is based predominantly at Royal Brompton Hospital with occasional cross-site working at Harefield hospital as service needs arise. A hospital shuttle bus service is provided.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be a member of the adult SLT team working within the Heart Therapy team based at Royal Brompton Hospital. They will have advanced skills in the assessment, differential diagnosis, treatment and management of communication and swallowing disorders within acute and critical care settings. They will independently manage a caseload of adults with complex cardiac, thoracic and respiratory conditions including tracheostomy and ventilator dependence in critical care. They will provide expert intervention, information, advice and support to patients, relatives, carers and healthcare professionals within the multidisciplinary team. They will provide regular supervision to the band 6 SLT and to students on placement. They will lead on service quality, safety and improvement initiatives as agreed with the Clinical Lead SLT. The post holder may on occasions be asked to work at Harefield hospital as required by service needs.
About us
Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals joined Guy's and St Thomas' in February 2021 and is the largest specialist heart and lung centre in the UK and among the largest in Europe. Weprovide treatment for people with heart and lung disease, including rare and complex conditions, offering some of the most sophisticated treatment that is available anywhere in the world.
Our integrated approach to caring for patients from before birth, through childhood, adolescence and into adulthood and old age has been replicated around the world and has gained Royal Brompton and Harefield an international reputation as a leader in heart and lung diagnosis, treatment and research.
We are working in partnership with King's Health Partners, to deliver our vision of creating a new centre of excellence, which will be the global leader in the research into and treatment of heart and lung disease, in patients from pre-birth to old age.
We aim to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and continue to develop new and existing partnerships with local people, patients, neighbouring NHS organisations, local authorities and charitable bodies and GPs.
We strive to recruit and retain the best staff as the dedication and skills of our employees lie at the heart of our organisation and ensure that our services are of the highest quality, safe and focused on our patients.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To tactfully and diplomatically communicate sensitive and complex condition-related information and often unwelcome news to patients, parents and carers who may be distressed/angry and to provide ongoing counselling and support to emotionally demanding patients and carers.
- To liaise with the other SLT, medical teams, nursing colleagues and the MDT regarding prioritisation, case management and risk 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 provide highly specialist advice regarding patients at the Royal Brompton Hospital when cover is required.
- To promote and contribute to multi-disciplinary, inter agency team building and collaborative practice. To ensure close liaison with SLT colleagues in the community to ensure adequate handover of individual cases working towards a seamless service.
- To promote the department, the Trust and the profession by participating in joint initiatives with other members of the SLT team as required by the Service Manager.
- To write comprehensive, clear reports to inform medical, education and social services with regard to current and future needs of the patient.
- To recognise communication breakdown/conflict when it occurs and generate potential solutions.
- To network with other specialist SLTs in the region.
- To produce information for patients which is accessible and user friendly and in accordance with Trust policy.
- To demonstrate empathy with patients and their carers, particularly in situations where they may be highly stressed or grieving and barriers to understanding may exist.
- To regularly attend staff meetings and in-service training.
- Patient/customer care (both direct and indirect)
- To provide a specialist assessment, differential diagnosis, and treatment service for adults with complex communication, swallowing and feeding problems. These patients may present with acute or chronic communication and/or swallowing disorders and may be tracheostomised and or ventilator dependent. This may be in a variety of clinical areas including intensive care, high dependency unit, wards, out-patients and clinics.
- To undertake all aspects of clinical duties as an autonomous practitioner. To be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of clinical work.
- To demonstrate highly specialist knowledge in acute dysphagia and to ensure a high standard of clinical care for the patients under own management.
- To provide input into comprehensive evaluations of swallowing for adults (ideally including videofluoroscopy and FEES skills although these skills may be developed in post).
- 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 the care of patients.
- 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 participate in the multi-disciplinary follow up of patients discharged from the adult services.
- To maintain skills and knowledge in alternative and augmentative communication systems and aids.
- To develop and maintain own specialist skills and knowledge in this SLT speciality through personal study, journal club and designated training courses defined by Individual Performance Review and to ensure these are incorporated into the service.
- To undertake informal teaching sessions with patients and their carers relating to communication and swallowing disorders in adults as relevant to their diagnosis and treatment or management plan.
- To attend regular journal clubs 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 SLT service and demonstrate ability to work in other clinical areas as directed by lead clinicians and/or the Therapy Lead.
- Policy & Service development
- To participate in the formulation and implementation of local policies and protocols based on National policy and professional guidelines related to communication and/or swallowing disorders in collaboration with the Clinical Lead for SLT.
- 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 feeding and swallowing.
- To participate in the development of relevant local clinical guidelines, risk assessment and service developments 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.
- To work with the other Highly Specialist SLT and Professional Lead SLT in the development of MDT protocols on the management of communication/swallowing in tracheostomised patients.
- To ensure all team members have a real voice in the development of the Speech and Language service to patients/customers.
- To assist in the monitoring and maintenance of stock requirements of specialist swallowing and communication equipment at Harefield Hospital, and report any shortfall to the Therapy Lead.
- To maintain efficient clinical and departmental administrative procedures.
- To participate in clinical supervision with the Professional Lead for adult SLT.
- To train, supervise performance and manage more junior SLT staff where appropriate.
- To participate in the staff appraisal scheme and personal development plan (PDP) as both appraiser and appraise, ensuring active participation in CPD.
- To assist in the handling of complaints as appropriate.
- To regularly update the Therapy Lead/ Clinical Lead with regard to relevant service issues.
- To adhere to service policies and procedures including collection and collation of statistics (Rehab & Therapies Activity Recording) in order to enable the provision of monthly activity reports to the Therapy Lead / Assocaite Director of Rehabilitation & Therapies.
- To maintain and present data on behalf of the department regularly for activity/audit.
- To maintain clear, accurate clinical records and to write timely reports and letters according to Trust/professional standards.
- To be interested in and participate in SLT staff clinical research projects and contributing to multidisciplinary research.
- To participate in the development and delivery of audit projects with guidance from the Professional / Therapy Lead as appropriate.
- To attend regular journal clubs to peer review articles and maintain critical appraisal skills.
- To represent the Trust at regional, national and international conferences and on working groups as appropriate.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To tactfully and diplomatically communicate sensitive and complex condition-related information and often unwelcome news to patients, parents and carers who may be distressed/angry and to provide ongoing counselling and support to emotionally demanding patients and carers.
- To liaise with the other SLT, medical teams, nursing colleagues and the MDT regarding prioritisation, case management and risk 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 provide highly specialist advice regarding patients at the Royal Brompton Hospital when cover is required.
- To promote and contribute to multi-disciplinary, inter agency team building and collaborative practice. To ensure close liaison with SLT colleagues in the community to ensure adequate handover of individual cases working towards a seamless service.
- To promote the department, the Trust and the profession by participating in joint initiatives with other members of the SLT team as required by the Service Manager.
- To write comprehensive, clear reports to inform medical, education and social services with regard to current and future needs of the patient.
- To recognise communication breakdown/conflict when it occurs and generate potential solutions.
- To network with other specialist SLTs in the region.
- To produce information for patients which is accessible and user friendly and in accordance with Trust policy.
- To demonstrate empathy with patients and their carers, particularly in situations where they may be highly stressed or grieving and barriers to understanding may exist.
- To regularly attend staff meetings and in-service training.
- Patient/customer care (both direct and indirect)
- To provide a specialist assessment, differential diagnosis, and treatment service for adults with complex communication, swallowing and feeding problems. These patients may present with acute or chronic communication and/or swallowing disorders and may be tracheostomised and or ventilator dependent. This may be in a variety of clinical areas including intensive care, high dependency unit, wards, out-patients and clinics.
- To undertake all aspects of clinical duties as an autonomous practitioner. To be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of clinical work.
- To demonstrate highly specialist knowledge in acute dysphagia and to ensure a high standard of clinical care for the patients under own management.
- To provide input into comprehensive evaluations of swallowing for adults (ideally including videofluoroscopy and FEES skills although these skills may be developed in post).
- 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 the care of patients.
- 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 participate in the multi-disciplinary follow up of patients discharged from the adult services.
- To maintain skills and knowledge in alternative and augmentative communication systems and aids.
- To develop and maintain own specialist skills and knowledge in this SLT speciality through personal study, journal club and designated training courses defined by Individual Performance Review and to ensure these are incorporated into the service.
- To undertake informal teaching sessions with patients and their carers relating to communication and swallowing disorders in adults as relevant to their diagnosis and treatment or management plan.
- To attend regular journal clubs 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 SLT service and demonstrate ability to work in other clinical areas as directed by lead clinicians and/or the Therapy Lead.
- Policy & Service development
- To participate in the formulation and implementation of local policies and protocols based on National policy and professional guidelines related to communication and/or swallowing disorders in collaboration with the Clinical Lead for SLT.
- 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 feeding and swallowing.
- To participate in the development of relevant local clinical guidelines, risk assessment and service developments 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.
- To work with the other Highly Specialist SLT and Professional Lead SLT in the development of MDT protocols on the management of communication/swallowing in tracheostomised patients.
- To ensure all team members have a real voice in the development of the Speech and Language service to patients/customers.
- To assist in the monitoring and maintenance of stock requirements of specialist swallowing and communication equipment at Harefield Hospital, and report any shortfall to the Therapy Lead.
- To maintain efficient clinical and departmental administrative procedures.
- To participate in clinical supervision with the Professional Lead for adult SLT.
- To train, supervise performance and manage more junior SLT staff where appropriate.
- To participate in the staff appraisal scheme and personal development plan (PDP) as both appraiser and appraise, ensuring active participation in CPD.
- To assist in the handling of complaints as appropriate.
- To regularly update the Therapy Lead/ Clinical Lead with regard to relevant service issues.
- To adhere to service policies and procedures including collection and collation of statistics (Rehab & Therapies Activity Recording) in order to enable the provision of monthly activity reports to the Therapy Lead / Assocaite Director of Rehabilitation & Therapies.
- To maintain and present data on behalf of the department regularly for activity/audit.
- To maintain clear, accurate clinical records and to write timely reports and letters according to Trust/professional standards.
- To be interested in and participate in SLT staff clinical research projects and contributing to multidisciplinary research.
- To participate in the development and delivery of audit projects with guidance from the Professional / Therapy Lead as appropriate.
- To attend regular journal clubs to peer review articles and maintain critical appraisal skills.
- To represent the Trust at regional, national and international conferences and on working groups as appropriate.
Person Specification
Education and Qualification
Essential
- Recognised degree accredited by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
- HCPC registration
- Post-graduate dysphagia training or equivalent
- Completion of post qualification education (e.g. short courses)
- Evidence of continuing professional development
Desirable
Experience and Knowledge
Essential
- In-depth knowledge of clinical assessment of voice, speech, language, cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders
- Independently able to carry out formal (standardised) and informal (non-standardised) assessments, analyse and interpret findings with a high degree of accuracy to inform clinical reasoning
- Post-qualification experience in the assessment and management of adult acute dysphagia
- Post-qualification experience in the assessment and management of a range of adult acquired communication disorders
- Specialist knowledge of interventions and treatments underpinned by research evidence and current models of best practice.
- Knowledge and experience of clinical governance and effectiveness such as risk assessment, service evaluation, audit, and quality improvement
Desirable
- Completion of RCSLT tracheostomy competencies including critical care subsection
- Experience of working with patients requiring NIV, CPAP and HFOT
- Experience as a FEES assessor/ endoscopist
- Experience as a VF clinician
- Experience working with patients with neuromuscular and respiratory conditions, cardiac and thoracic surgeries
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Able to work as an autonomous practitioner demonstrating problem-solving and solution-focused skills, seeking guidance and support when necessary
- Well developed interpersonal, communication, time and task management skills to be able to lead a team in a challenging work environment with multiple competing priorities
- Enables quality supervision, teaching and training to others
- Positively promotes inclusion, equality, diversity and belonging in the workplace, and actively challenges behaviours outside this
Desirable
- Completion of Practice Educator training and delivery of student placements
Person Specification
Education and Qualification
Essential
- Recognised degree accredited by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
- HCPC registration
- Post-graduate dysphagia training or equivalent
- Completion of post qualification education (e.g. short courses)
- Evidence of continuing professional development
Desirable
Experience and Knowledge
Essential
- In-depth knowledge of clinical assessment of voice, speech, language, cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders
- Independently able to carry out formal (standardised) and informal (non-standardised) assessments, analyse and interpret findings with a high degree of accuracy to inform clinical reasoning
- Post-qualification experience in the assessment and management of adult acute dysphagia
- Post-qualification experience in the assessment and management of a range of adult acquired communication disorders
- Specialist knowledge of interventions and treatments underpinned by research evidence and current models of best practice.
- Knowledge and experience of clinical governance and effectiveness such as risk assessment, service evaluation, audit, and quality improvement
Desirable
- Completion of RCSLT tracheostomy competencies including critical care subsection
- Experience of working with patients requiring NIV, CPAP and HFOT
- Experience as a FEES assessor/ endoscopist
- Experience as a VF clinician
- Experience working with patients with neuromuscular and respiratory conditions, cardiac and thoracic surgeries
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Able to work as an autonomous practitioner demonstrating problem-solving and solution-focused skills, seeking guidance and support when necessary
- Well developed interpersonal, communication, time and task management skills to be able to lead a team in a challenging work environment with multiple competing priorities
- Enables quality supervision, teaching and training to others
- Positively promotes inclusion, equality, diversity and belonging in the workplace, and actively challenges behaviours outside this
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.
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).
