Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated, highly skilled and dynamic SLT to join the Acute Adult SLT team based at The Royal London Hospital. You will be joining a warm and friendly MDT across major trauma, neurology, neurosurgery, trauma and acute neurorehabilitation services. We are looking for an individual with a strong clinical background in acute neurosciences and excellent communication skills to join our team. The post holder will take a major role in supporting the SLT team in the provision of specialist SLT clinical input, including tracheostomy management, videofluoroscopy and FEES assessment. There is an awake craniotomy service and you will have the opportunity to be involved in this. You will be supported by a team of specialist Band 7 SLTs and Clinical Leads.
Barts Health Acute SLT Team based at The Royal London Hospital covers a large number of high profile specialist services including acute neurosciences, stroke, major trauma, ITU, elderly care, Infectious Diseases, respiratory and general medicine.
The position presents an excellent opportunity to further develop your clinical, service development and supervisory skills. Applicants must have established skills in complex dysphagia and communication disorders. Support with developing advanced skills in videofluoroscopy, tracheostomy and FEES is available depending on previous experience.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be a Highly Specialist Speech & Language Therapist and will be a member of the SLT service based at the Royal London Hospital. The Royal London Hospital is one of four major trauma centres across London and leads the trauma network for north east London and Essex. Barts Health Trust comprises of five hospitals- St Bartholomew's Hospital, Whipps cross hospital, Newham hospital, Mile End Hospital and North East London Community Teams. This is an exciting opportunity for the post holder to be part of a large SLT network with a broad range of specialist skills across Barts Health Trust.
The post holder will work as part of the multi-disciplinary team based at RLH delivering therapy to patients within the acute Neurosciences and trauma wards. The role will include specialist assessment and treatment to adults with complex acquired communication and swallowing difficulties, including tracheostomy management, rehabilitation and video fluoroscopy and FEES.
The post holder will work as part of the senior therapy team and be involved with service developments along the designated clinical pathways (e.g. Neurology, Neurosurgery, Neuro trauma, Neuro oncology). The post holder will be required to act as a key senior therapist within the major trauma service, coordinating safe, effective discharge plans, evidence based practice and expert teaching to the SLT team and wider MDT. Barts Health was awarded excellence status by The Tessa Jowell Academy in 2021.
About us
Barts Health is one of the largest NHS trusts in the country, and one of Britain's leading healthcare providers.
The Barts Health group of NHS hospitals is entering an exciting new era on our improvement journey to becoming an outstanding organisation with a world-class clinical reputation. Having lifted ourselves out of special measures, we now have the impetus and breathing space to chart a fresh course in which we are continually striving to improve all our services for patients.
Our vision is to be a high-performing group of NHS hospitals, renowned for excellence and innovation, and providing safe and compassionate care to our patients in east London and beyond. That means being a provider of excellent patient safety, known for delivering consistently high standards of harm-free care and always caring for patients in the right place at the right time. It also means being an outstanding place to work, in which our WeCare values and behaviours are visible to all and guide us in how we work together.
We strive to live by our WeCare values and are committed to promoting inclusion, where every staff member has a sense of belonging. We value our differences and fully advocate, cultivate and support an inclusive working environment.
Job description
Job responsibilities
CLINICAL
- To assess, differentially diagnose and implement Speech and Language Therapy Treatment to patients with acquired swallowing and/or communication disorders, and to be responsible for independently managing an inpatient caseload at The Royal London Hospital
- To provide appropriate specialist intervention and evaluate outcomes
- To write comprehensive reports reflecting specialist knowledge, and to demonstrate specialist knowledge and use of high and low technology communication aids with a range of patients
- To provide advice to others regarding the management and care of patients/clients with communication and/or swallowing difficulties, including tracheostomies, and to work collaboratively and negotiate with other professions in the management of complex cases, demonstrating appropriate strategies for caseload management and to ensure that patients and/or carers are involved in the planning and prioritisation of their care plans wherever possible, for example in multi-disciplinary and goal-setting meetings
- To adapt practice to meet individual patients circumstances, including due regard for cultural and linguistic differences, and to work closely with Interpreters where patients do not have English as a first language. To demonstrate empathy with clients, carers and families and colleagues, ensuring that effective communication is achieved, particularly where barriers to understanding exist
- To demonstrate clinical effectiveness by use of evidence based practice and outcome measures, and to develop care protocols/packages relating to specific clinical pathways including major trauma, neurosurgery, spinal, neuro oncology in liaison with the Clinical Lead to improve patient care
- To demonstrate in-depth knowledge and experience of the Mental Capacity Act and its relevance to the caseload. To understand the principles and application of the Act in the assessment of patients communication skills and to facilitate patients understanding of information and expression of opinion in decision making as required
- To lead the weekly videofluoroscopy clinic at RLH as required. To actively manage and monitor this service with the support of the Clinical Lead and Band 7 peers
- To lead in tracheostomy management at RLH, as well as wider service as required
- To take a lead in the development of provision of FEES assessment at RLH. To actively manage and monitor this service with the support of the Clinical Lead
- To attend Service Improvement Meetings and other relevant non-clinical meetings as required
- To demonstrate skills in dealing with complex issues to generate appropriate strategies for caseload management
- To clinically supervise and be involved in the appraisal of more junior SLTs and support SLT team in the management of Neurosciences patients
- To deliver competency based training to junior SLTs in the area of advanced dysphagia (tracheostomy and videofluoroscopy), communication (disorder of consciousness, capacity and cognitive communication deficits), managing behaviours that challenge within an acute neuroscience ward environment
TEAM WORKING
- To attend ward meetings and other clinical meetings as required by Line Manager or Head of Service and to actively promote and contribute to MDT working, maintaining effective communication and client centred focus
- To lead on ward projects in areas of dysphagia and communication relating to the relevant client group and to advise line manager on issues of service delivery including shortfall, service pressures etc., and to represent the SLT service in the relevant clinical areas
- To assume delegated tasks as requested by line manager, including participation in other working groups, policy development groups, and to contribute to interagency/multi-disciplinary team building and policy development
- To be aware of, adhere to and implement service and team plans and policies and to use knowledge to inform service/policy developments within the SLT team and within the Trust
MANAGEMENT OF SERVICE
- To monitor stock levels in own service area and request new equipment as appropriate
- To be responsible for the security, care and maintenance of equipment ensuring standards of infection control and safety are maintained including equipment loaned to clients within the area of SLT speciality
- To deal with initial complaints sensitively, avoiding escalation where possible
- To provide leadership within the SLT team and MDT, and to build links with SLTs and other healthcare professionals working outside the trust
- To be responsible for monthly performance reviews and data analysis of team performance, promote and understand the importance of data collection and good record keeping.
COMMUNICATION
- To employ excellent communication skills
- To communicate complex condition related information from assessment to clients, carers, families and members of the multi-disciplinary team/other professions
- To work closely with clients, carers and families, agreeing decision making relevant to the patient/client management
- To employ counselling and listening skills when discussing clinical and emotional aspects of client care and to form productive relationships with others who may be under stress and/or have challenging communication difficulties
- To demonstrate negotiation skills in the management of conflict across a range of situations
- To facilitate continuity of care through appropriate liaison with relevant agencies and services on transfer or discharge of clients from service
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- To attend specialist short courses, SIGs and advanced training in areas of neurology, trauma, awake craniotomy, prolonged disorders of consciousness, neurosciences, as relevant and to demonstrate knowledge of these areas underpinned by current evidence based best practice, and to manage complex and specialist caseload independently
- To provide regular training on issues relevant to the clinical caseload to other SLTs and members of the MDT and to assist with the identification of training needs within team and Trust as a whole , and to target training (formal and informal) appropriately to the needs of course participants. To develop the ability to reflect on and evaluate training provided
- To facilitate the development of others problem solving/negotiation skills within peer review/support
- To provide mentoring, advice and support to more junior SLTs, assistants and volunteers, and to participate in the supervision, training and appraisal of more junior SLTs and Assistants
- To provide full student placements, including assessment of the placements as appropriate, provide support to students from other health professional groups as appropriate within section/team and to explain the role of Speech and Language Therapists to visitors, students and volunteers
- To identify personal/professional development evidenced by Personal Development Plan/ Professional Portfolio developed within an appraisal framework, including objectives relating to the clinical caseload
- To participate in Individual Performance Review ensuring that the objectives set reflect the Service and Trust plans, including specific objectives relating to stroke, neurosciences, and elderly care as relevant
- To participate in and contribute to the Departments training programmes, including student/staff Induction
- To develop a working knowledge of relevant procedures including: Manual Handling, Working with Vulnerable Adults, X-Ray Referral Procedures and other legal frameworks
- To develop a working knowledge of the principles of Clinical Governance and their application to professional practice
- To ensure all mandatory training is up to date at all times e.g. adult resuscitation
- To enhance clinical expertise through self-reflection and analysis of therapists own intervention and to demonstrate the ability to reflect on practice with peers and mentors and identify own strengths and development needs
- To recognise potential breakdown and conflict when it occurs and seek advice and support to resolve
- To reflect on auditory, visual and kinaesthetic aspects of patients communication and to identify appropriate strategies to facilitate and enhance communicative effectiveness
- To demonstrate skills in handling clients with physical and cognitive disabilities
- To maintain up to date and accurate case notes in line with RCSLT professional standards and local trust policies
- To gather and update activity data accurately and regularly, ensuring the provision of such information promptly within local Trust guidelines, and to share information with others, observing data protection guidelines
- To participate in and develop innovations in areas of risk management, quality standards setting and clinical effectiveness
- To represent the team within multi-disciplinary systems of clinical governance within the Trust
- To participate in, initiate or undertake departmental and multi-disciplinary research and clinical governance/audit projects, and to collect and provide research data as required
- To keep abreast of SLT research and development within stroke, neurosciences, and elderly care, utilising available resources to advance knowledge and skills
- To participate in multi-disciplinary audit initiatives, e.g. oral hygiene and to support research carried out by other professionals as relevant
- To monitor and evaluate own specialist service delivery and provide progress reports
- To be accountable for own professional action and recognise own professional boundaries, seeking advice as appropriate
- To work within defined departmental and national protocols/policies and professional code of conduct
Job description
Job responsibilities
CLINICAL
- To assess, differentially diagnose and implement Speech and Language Therapy Treatment to patients with acquired swallowing and/or communication disorders, and to be responsible for independently managing an inpatient caseload at The Royal London Hospital
- To provide appropriate specialist intervention and evaluate outcomes
- To write comprehensive reports reflecting specialist knowledge, and to demonstrate specialist knowledge and use of high and low technology communication aids with a range of patients
- To provide advice to others regarding the management and care of patients/clients with communication and/or swallowing difficulties, including tracheostomies, and to work collaboratively and negotiate with other professions in the management of complex cases, demonstrating appropriate strategies for caseload management and to ensure that patients and/or carers are involved in the planning and prioritisation of their care plans wherever possible, for example in multi-disciplinary and goal-setting meetings
- To adapt practice to meet individual patients circumstances, including due regard for cultural and linguistic differences, and to work closely with Interpreters where patients do not have English as a first language. To demonstrate empathy with clients, carers and families and colleagues, ensuring that effective communication is achieved, particularly where barriers to understanding exist
- To demonstrate clinical effectiveness by use of evidence based practice and outcome measures, and to develop care protocols/packages relating to specific clinical pathways including major trauma, neurosurgery, spinal, neuro oncology in liaison with the Clinical Lead to improve patient care
- To demonstrate in-depth knowledge and experience of the Mental Capacity Act and its relevance to the caseload. To understand the principles and application of the Act in the assessment of patients communication skills and to facilitate patients understanding of information and expression of opinion in decision making as required
- To lead the weekly videofluoroscopy clinic at RLH as required. To actively manage and monitor this service with the support of the Clinical Lead and Band 7 peers
- To lead in tracheostomy management at RLH, as well as wider service as required
- To take a lead in the development of provision of FEES assessment at RLH. To actively manage and monitor this service with the support of the Clinical Lead
- To attend Service Improvement Meetings and other relevant non-clinical meetings as required
- To demonstrate skills in dealing with complex issues to generate appropriate strategies for caseload management
- To clinically supervise and be involved in the appraisal of more junior SLTs and support SLT team in the management of Neurosciences patients
- To deliver competency based training to junior SLTs in the area of advanced dysphagia (tracheostomy and videofluoroscopy), communication (disorder of consciousness, capacity and cognitive communication deficits), managing behaviours that challenge within an acute neuroscience ward environment
TEAM WORKING
- To attend ward meetings and other clinical meetings as required by Line Manager or Head of Service and to actively promote and contribute to MDT working, maintaining effective communication and client centred focus
- To lead on ward projects in areas of dysphagia and communication relating to the relevant client group and to advise line manager on issues of service delivery including shortfall, service pressures etc., and to represent the SLT service in the relevant clinical areas
- To assume delegated tasks as requested by line manager, including participation in other working groups, policy development groups, and to contribute to interagency/multi-disciplinary team building and policy development
- To be aware of, adhere to and implement service and team plans and policies and to use knowledge to inform service/policy developments within the SLT team and within the Trust
MANAGEMENT OF SERVICE
- To monitor stock levels in own service area and request new equipment as appropriate
- To be responsible for the security, care and maintenance of equipment ensuring standards of infection control and safety are maintained including equipment loaned to clients within the area of SLT speciality
- To deal with initial complaints sensitively, avoiding escalation where possible
- To provide leadership within the SLT team and MDT, and to build links with SLTs and other healthcare professionals working outside the trust
- To be responsible for monthly performance reviews and data analysis of team performance, promote and understand the importance of data collection and good record keeping.
COMMUNICATION
- To employ excellent communication skills
- To communicate complex condition related information from assessment to clients, carers, families and members of the multi-disciplinary team/other professions
- To work closely with clients, carers and families, agreeing decision making relevant to the patient/client management
- To employ counselling and listening skills when discussing clinical and emotional aspects of client care and to form productive relationships with others who may be under stress and/or have challenging communication difficulties
- To demonstrate negotiation skills in the management of conflict across a range of situations
- To facilitate continuity of care through appropriate liaison with relevant agencies and services on transfer or discharge of clients from service
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- To attend specialist short courses, SIGs and advanced training in areas of neurology, trauma, awake craniotomy, prolonged disorders of consciousness, neurosciences, as relevant and to demonstrate knowledge of these areas underpinned by current evidence based best practice, and to manage complex and specialist caseload independently
- To provide regular training on issues relevant to the clinical caseload to other SLTs and members of the MDT and to assist with the identification of training needs within team and Trust as a whole , and to target training (formal and informal) appropriately to the needs of course participants. To develop the ability to reflect on and evaluate training provided
- To facilitate the development of others problem solving/negotiation skills within peer review/support
- To provide mentoring, advice and support to more junior SLTs, assistants and volunteers, and to participate in the supervision, training and appraisal of more junior SLTs and Assistants
- To provide full student placements, including assessment of the placements as appropriate, provide support to students from other health professional groups as appropriate within section/team and to explain the role of Speech and Language Therapists to visitors, students and volunteers
- To identify personal/professional development evidenced by Personal Development Plan/ Professional Portfolio developed within an appraisal framework, including objectives relating to the clinical caseload
- To participate in Individual Performance Review ensuring that the objectives set reflect the Service and Trust plans, including specific objectives relating to stroke, neurosciences, and elderly care as relevant
- To participate in and contribute to the Departments training programmes, including student/staff Induction
- To develop a working knowledge of relevant procedures including: Manual Handling, Working with Vulnerable Adults, X-Ray Referral Procedures and other legal frameworks
- To develop a working knowledge of the principles of Clinical Governance and their application to professional practice
- To ensure all mandatory training is up to date at all times e.g. adult resuscitation
- To enhance clinical expertise through self-reflection and analysis of therapists own intervention and to demonstrate the ability to reflect on practice with peers and mentors and identify own strengths and development needs
- To recognise potential breakdown and conflict when it occurs and seek advice and support to resolve
- To reflect on auditory, visual and kinaesthetic aspects of patients communication and to identify appropriate strategies to facilitate and enhance communicative effectiveness
- To demonstrate skills in handling clients with physical and cognitive disabilities
- To maintain up to date and accurate case notes in line with RCSLT professional standards and local trust policies
- To gather and update activity data accurately and regularly, ensuring the provision of such information promptly within local Trust guidelines, and to share information with others, observing data protection guidelines
- To participate in and develop innovations in areas of risk management, quality standards setting and clinical effectiveness
- To represent the team within multi-disciplinary systems of clinical governance within the Trust
- To participate in, initiate or undertake departmental and multi-disciplinary research and clinical governance/audit projects, and to collect and provide research data as required
- To keep abreast of SLT research and development within stroke, neurosciences, and elderly care, utilising available resources to advance knowledge and skills
- To participate in multi-disciplinary audit initiatives, e.g. oral hygiene and to support research carried out by other professionals as relevant
- To monitor and evaluate own specialist service delivery and provide progress reports
- To be accountable for own professional action and recognise own professional boundaries, seeking advice as appropriate
- To work within defined departmental and national protocols/policies and professional code of conduct
Person Specification
Skills
Essential
- Excellent interpersonal skills - including observation, listening and empathy skills
- Highly developed negotiation and problem solving skills
- Demonstrates excellent analytical and reflection skills
- Excellent presentation skills, both written and verbal
- Excellent organisational skills
- Excellent caseload management skills, including the ability to prioritise caseload and work independently.
- Demonstrates ability to be a good team member and assume leadership responsibilities
Qualifications
Essential
- Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree Qualification or equivalent
- Health and Care Professions Council - Licence to Practice
- Membership of relevant Clinical Excellence Networks
Desirable
- Registered Member of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapist
- Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses up to Master's degree equivalent
Experience
Essential
- In depth level of post qualification experience working with adults with acquired neurological disorders in a variety of settings, a significant proportion of which should be acute in-patients and firm underpinning of neuro- rehabilitation.
- Relevant highly specialist experience post qualification in assessment and management of complex acquired communication/swallowing disorders of neurological aetiology
- Experience and knowledge of relevant SLT approaches in palliative patients with in depth experience of risk feeding principles.
- Independent in videofluoroscopy
- Independent in SLT tracheostomy management
- In depth knowledge of working with acute neurotrauma, be able to differentiate from post traumatic amnesia practices and role of SLT.
- In depth knowledge of disorders of consciousness, assessments used in the acute setting and practices with this cohort of patients
Desirable
- Experience with tracheostomy with/without mechanical ventilation
- Independent in FEES assessment
- Independent with awake craniotomy assessment
- Lead Videofluoroscopy Clinician
Person Specification
Skills
Essential
- Excellent interpersonal skills - including observation, listening and empathy skills
- Highly developed negotiation and problem solving skills
- Demonstrates excellent analytical and reflection skills
- Excellent presentation skills, both written and verbal
- Excellent organisational skills
- Excellent caseload management skills, including the ability to prioritise caseload and work independently.
- Demonstrates ability to be a good team member and assume leadership responsibilities
Qualifications
Essential
- Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree Qualification or equivalent
- Health and Care Professions Council - Licence to Practice
- Membership of relevant Clinical Excellence Networks
Desirable
- Registered Member of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapist
- Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses up to Master's degree equivalent
Experience
Essential
- In depth level of post qualification experience working with adults with acquired neurological disorders in a variety of settings, a significant proportion of which should be acute in-patients and firm underpinning of neuro- rehabilitation.
- Relevant highly specialist experience post qualification in assessment and management of complex acquired communication/swallowing disorders of neurological aetiology
- Experience and knowledge of relevant SLT approaches in palliative patients with in depth experience of risk feeding principles.
- Independent in videofluoroscopy
- Independent in SLT tracheostomy management
- In depth knowledge of working with acute neurotrauma, be able to differentiate from post traumatic amnesia practices and role of SLT.
- In depth knowledge of disorders of consciousness, assessments used in the acute setting and practices with this cohort of patients
Desirable
- Experience with tracheostomy with/without mechanical ventilation
- Independent in FEES assessment
- Independent with awake craniotomy assessment
- Lead Videofluoroscopy Clinician
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).
