Job overview

There has been significant investment into developing Dorset Stroke & Neuro Services to meet the National Stroke Service model.  This includes developments across the pathway in West & North Dorset including hyper acute care (based at Dorset County Hospital), specialist rehabilitation beds (based in Sherborne) & Integrated Community Stroke Services (ICSS).  This has been a really exciting time as we have significantly expanded our existing services & embed innovative ways of working to improve clinical outcomes for patients following stroke or neurological illness or injury. 

We have a fantastic opportunity for a motivated and experienced Speech and Language Therapist to join our dynamic Stroke Team at Dorset County Hospital Foundation Trust.

The post will involve specialist dysphagia and communication intervention for patients post stroke and would be best suited to someone either looking to continue to develop their skills in stroke or someone who would like a new challenge. We would consider applications from those already at a Band 6 level or an established Band 5 wanting a development opportunity.

Main duties of the job

The post involves providing specialist Speech and Language  assessment and rehabilitation for patients on the Acute Stroke Unit at Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester and potentially at the Yeatman Hospital in Sherborne ensuring that rehabilitation continues across the stroke pathway.

 This post will offer the opportunity to develop specialist skills in the assessment and  management of swallowing and communication difficulties for patients post stroke and will allow you to work within both an acute and rehabilitation setting should that be of interest.

You will be joining an established Stroke Therapy Team of Physiotherapists, Dietitians, Speech & Language Therapists and Therapy Support Workers supported by a Clinical Lead Therapist. You will  be encouraged to take an active role in current projects, including service development and evaluation, internal and external training, audit and research review.

You will be working in a rewarding and challenging clinical environment and will be responsible for the supervision of at least one team member. The therapies department at Dorset County Hospital is committed to ensuring staff feel supported with their wellbeing and career progression through supervision, appraisal, in-house and external training and leadership development.

Working for our organisation

The Therapies Service at Dorset County Hospital is an integrated Therapies Service working together to ensure that Therapies provision is the best that it can be, balancing quality and resourcing to provide and improve patient centred services. The Therapies Team is committed to the principle of seven day working and is currently working towards it. 

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is a modern District General Hospital offering an excellent working environment. Much of West Dorset is designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty, and the Jurassic coastline is protected by World Heritage status. There are
numerous beaches within easy reach, and Portland Harbour (host of 2012 Olympic Sailing) promotes a wide range of water sport activities. The area is largely rural, with good rail and road links. The closest airport is situated in Bournemouth. We are a Trust that celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We would welcome applications from people in groups which are under-represented in our organisation.