The Walton Centre Speech and Language Therapy service is comprised of a highly specialised group of individuals skilled in the assessment, diagnosis and management of patients with highly complex neurological and spinal conditions. Our specialist areas of input include services in neurovascular surgery, neuro-oncology, major trauma, spinal conditions and neurological illness. From admission to our intensive care unit or acute wards, SLTs are involved in the provision of care for patients from the very earliest stage of their treatment journey. Our input includes provision of well-established FEES and videofluoroscopy services, an embedded and central role in the trust's tracheostomy MDT and formal assessment of patients presenting as being in a Prolonged Disorder of Consciousness. We are seeking highly motivated, ambitious team workers who are keen to develop their skills in the assessment, diagnosis and management of communication and swallowing disorders. The successful candidate will benefit from preceptorship, a structured supervision programme, and support to develop specific competencies in the management of neurological and spinal patients with a range of rare conditions and unique clinical, social and personal needs.
Working across both the acute and rehabilitation settings, the post holder will offer assessment and treatment as clinically indicated with support from senior staff when required.
To provide a quality Speech and Language Service to the communication and swallowing disordered population.
To provide assessment, diagnosis and management of patients with acquired communication disorders, and to develop skills in dysphagia to a level of independent clinical practice, following formal training and clinical supervision until deemed competent.
To train and advise carers and staff involved in patient care.
To liaise with other members of the Multi-disciplinary team and inform them of assessment results.
To record assessment and therapy results in medical case notes.
To attend ward meetings where possible.
To maintain appropriate and regular case records.
To keep accurate statistical information in accordance with departmental policy.
To attend Speech and Language Therapy meetings.
To participate in orientation and induction of staff.
To make decisions regarding timing of discharge from the service based on outcome of clinical interventions.
To liaise with other teams, agencies and Speech and Language Therapists in referring for follow up on discharge from hospital.
To carry out day-to-day administration.
To provide cover for other parts of the service as required.
To keep the Speech and Language Therapy manager informed of any changes in the service or variation in demand on the service.
To refer service development issues to the Speech and Language Therapy manager.
To carry out any other duties appropriate to grade of post.
The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust is the only NHS trust to hold dual accreditation for the Investors in People. We invest in people and we invest in wellbeing standards and have been awarded Gold status for both. The Walton Centre is a leader in the treatment and care of neurology and neurosurgery, placing the patient and their family at the heart of everything we do. As the only specialist hospital trust in the UK dedicated to providing comprehensive neurology, neurosurgery, spinal and pain management services we are proud to be rated as an Outstanding Trust by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and champion change throughout the field of neuroscience. Originally formed in 1992, the Trust received Foundation Trust status in 2009.
With around 1,450 staff, The Walton Centre treats more than 127,000 outpatients and 18,000 inpatients each year. We have leading specialists and incredibly dedicated staff delivering excellent clinical outcomes for brain, spinal and neurological care nationally and internationally. Teams across our site in Fazakerley, Liverpool, offer a world-class service in diagnosing and treating injuries and illnesses affecting the brain, spine and peripheral nerves and muscles, and in supporting people suffering from a wide range of long-term neurological conditions.
Please see the job description and person specification document for detailed information about the job description for this vacancy.
