Location
University Hospital Lewisham, High Street, Lewisham

Hours
Full time (hours not specified)

Salary
£39,959 per annum

About the Role
As a Specialist Speech & Language Therapist, you will use your specialist skills to assess, differentially diagnose and manage complex patients with acquired swallowing and communication disorders from the acute wards at University Hospital Lewisham. You will independently manage and prioritise a complex patient caseload, including participation in a weekend rota to manage acute and stroke referrals. You will develop and demonstrate advanced clinical skills in the assessment and management of patients with tracheostomies, including instrumental procedures such as videofluoroscopy and FEES. You will write therapy programmes for Speech and Language Therapy Assistants and provide expert advice to non-specialists and other professionals. Maintaining up-to-date HCPC and RCSLT registration and adhering to evidence-based practice and outcome measures is essential. You will contribute to service and policy development, clinical governance, audit projects, and clinical guidelines. The role involves active participation in multidisciplinary team meetings, training delivery, and providing support and supervision to colleagues and students. You will also be responsible for the security and maintenance of equipment and ensuring infection control standards are met. Effective communication with patients, carers, and the multidisciplinary team is key, including negotiating therapy goals and employing counselling skills for patients with complex needs. You will ensure personal and patient safety by adhering to relevant policies and procedures.

Experience
Experience in assessing and managing complex swallowing and communication disorders, including patients with tracheostomies and those requiring instrumental assessments. Ability to manage a complex caseload independently and participate in weekend rota. Experience in clinical governance, audit, and service development is desirable.

About you
Highly motivated and skilled therapist with specialist knowledge in acute communication and swallowing difficulties. Able to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Strong communication and negotiation skills, empathy, and the ability to manage challenging situations and complex patient needs. Commitment to continuous professional development and reflective practice. Able to provide supervision and support to colleagues and students.

Qualifications
Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT). Relevant specialist training and evidence of ongoing professional development in speech and language therapy, particularly in acute and complex cases.