Clinical Specialist SLT

The post holder will have highly specialist skills in the assessment and management of critically unwell patients from a variety of etiologies who require input for swallowing, communication and airway management. They will have extensive experience with ventilator dependent and tracheostomised patients. The post is suitable for a highly experienced SLT who is dynamic and flexible with a commitment to new ways of working, and has an innovative approach to patient centered care and efficient service delivery. The post holder will work closely with the MDTs in ICU and with SLT to work to bridge the service offered across the units and be dedicated to and have experience of involvement with audits and service development to improve practice and efficiency. The post holder will receive regular supervision and support. They will be joining a highly supportive and innovative Speech and Language Therapy Department, offering well established CPD opportunities.,

• Identify and assess patients in Critical Care areas presenting with communication and swallowing disorders as part of the Critical Care MDT in St Georges University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in accordance with the mission, values and strategic plan of the organisation.
• Provide independent clinical management of patients requiring assessment and rehabilitation of complex communication and swallowing disorders with the aim of restoring optimum function or offering compensatory strategies. This includes assessing the patients' need for alternative augmentative communication where appropriate.
• Act as senior decision-maker, with recommendations regarding SLT and HCPC intervention requirements where appropriate.
• Determine discharge plans and appropriate follow-up arrangements with relevant services.
• Provide leadership and direction to the Critical Care Team as appropriate within their own scope of practice.
• Communicate effectively with other team members, as well as patients, relatives, medical and nursing colleagues.
• Analyse service demands and develop the Critical Care team with other HSCP members in line with evolving requirements.
• Contribute to the overall operation and development of the communication and swallowing service within the hospital in collaboration with the SLT Manager and other SLTs within the department, At gesh we are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements. Applicants are encouraged to discuss any flexibility they may need during the recruitment process.
  
  St George's, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group cares for a population of four million people in South West London and North East Surrey.Our sites include St George's Hospital, one of 11 major trauma centres in the UK and the largest healthcare provider and major teaching hospital in the area; St Helier Hospital, home to the South West Thames Renal and Transplantation Unit and Queen Mary's Hospital for Children; and Epsom Hospital, home to the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC).
After years of collaboration, our two Trusts became a hospitals group in 2021. While remaining as two separate Trusts, being a hospitals group will help us to collaborate more closely on research, and the development, education, and training of our 17,000-strong workforce.