Speech and Language Therapist (Paeds)

A new B7 post has arisen for an experienced paediatric speech and language therapist with skills in dysphagia to work in the acute service. This is a new post developed to increase VFSS capacity working closely with SLT colleagues, including at St Mary's Hospital, to increase access to existing VF services for North West London.

This role is suited to someone with an interest in gaining or consolidating skills in diagnostic interventions including VF and FEES. The post supports both hospitals to expand their capacity for VFSS and you will be required to run clinics at either site. You will be supported in the role and be given training to ensure you achieve RCSLT VF competencies. This post requires someone with a collaborative and flexible approach to working across organisations.

The postholder will also hold an inpatient and outpatient caseload. The service covers the paediatric wards at Chelsea and West Middlesex Hospital sites, including the SCBU and level 3 gastro-surgical NICU. A small outpatient service offers expert clinical advice for complex referrals and dysphagia management for infants under 6 months.

You will work closely with the MDT to deliver expert care to infants, children and their families.The team benefits from excellent working relationships with the MDT including ENT, gastro and respiratory consultants.

Main duties of the job

o To work as an autonomous practitioner to provide dysphagia assessment and intervention to a varied paediatric caseload, including infants on the neonatal unit, paediatric wards and outpatient service.

o To work with infants and children who may have long-term complex conditions, to provide specialist assessment and management plans.

o To deliver video fluoroscopy assessments for both inpatients and outpatients with dysphagia to offer expert diagnosis and management plans depending on results.

o To engage in regular supervision with the clinical lead.

o To support with clinical problem solving and provide managerial expertise for colleagues both within the Trust and within North West London.

o To participate in CPD and other developmental activities and encourage all members of your team to do likewise.

o To educate the multi-disciplinary team in the trust on elements of SLT in your designated clinical area, and raise the profile of the SLT service.

o To work closely with the other members of the multi-disciplinary team and demonstrate excellent communication skills.

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites--Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital--along with award-winning clinics across North West London.

Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5 million, providing full clinical services, including maternity, A&E, and children's services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health clinics. The Care Quality Commission rates us 'Good' in safety, effectiveness, care, and responsiveness, and 'Outstanding' in leadership and resource use.

We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and Westminster and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Middlesex.

We welcome applications for flexible working arrangements, accommodating requests where possible to support our staff and patient needs.

The Trust is committed to equality and welcomes applications from all, regardless of background. Adjustments can be made for disabled candidates. Early application is advised as vacancies may close once sufficient applications are received. If you haven't heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, your application was likely unsuccessful. Employment is subject to a six-month probationary period.