Overview
We have an exciting opportunity to join our team of speech and language therapists in Gateshead as instrumental lead across inpatients and outpatients. The role involves carrying out instrumental swallowing assessments (videofluoroscopy and FEES) and supporting team members in training and development. The team is based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and sits within the Clinical Support and Screening Services arm of the organisation. Weekend/bank holiday work may be occasionally required.
Responsibilities
* Lead the development of instrumental clinics and provide speech, language, communication and swallowing support to inpatients or outpatients depending on area of expertise.
* Provide specialist service to adults with dysphagia and communication disorders arising from a range of neurological conditions.
* Develop pathways and protocols regarding instrumental assessment, linking with MDT members such as radiology, pharmacy and ENT.
* Provide training to other team members for dysphagia, including development of their instrumental assessment, interpretation and reporting.
* Develop and oversee clinician rotas for instrumental clinics.
* Provide flexible and timely dysphagia and communication assessments and therapy to inpatients or outpatients.
* Act as an autonomous practitioner providing assessment, diagnosis, treatment, opinion and evaluation of a range of eating, drinking and swallowing disorders.
* Work closely with the wider multidisciplinary team to provide an integrated approach to care and develop skills, e.g. enhancing carer/nurse dysphagia awareness.
* Participate in research in the specialist area as required.
* Provide excellence in clinical care with a focus on patient safety.
* Continuously develop the service and strive to improve.
* Provide appropriate clinical supervision, appraisal and in-service training.
* Contribute towards service evaluation and demonstration of efficacy and efficiency.
* Be a source of specialist advice for other professions and demonstrate effective communication with colleagues.
* Liaise with MDT including GPs, consultants and other healthcare professionals/other agencies where appropriate.
Team, Support and Development
The Adult Speech and Language Team works closely with other services, with opportunities to learn from each other. Support is offered through formal group and individual supervision alongside informal discussion within the team. Attendance at clinical excellence networks and regional support groups is encouraged. There is opportunity to be involved in training other members of the wider MDT, including care/nursing staff.
About the Organisation
Based in the North East of England, we provide a range of hospital and community health services from our leading facilities, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Blaydon Urgent Care Centre and Bensham Hospital, all within Gateshead. Established in 2005, we were one of the first foundation trusts in the country and currently employ around 4,800 staff with 444 hospital beds across the Gateshead region. Our values are Innovation, Care, Openness, Respect and Engagement (ICORE). We offer a range of staff networks and a Balance programme to support staff wellbeing and a positive working experience.
Qualifications and Requirements
See role responsibilities above as the posting describes advanced clinical practice in instrumental swallowing assessment, leadership, training, service development and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. Strong communication, supervision and ongoing professional development are expected.
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