Job overview

We have a fantastic fixed-term opportunity for a Band 6 SLT to join our clinically passionate, friendly inpatient speech and language therapy team at the Royal Surrey Hospital. 

The speech and language therapy team have extensive expertise in the management of patients with head & neck cancer (including laryngectomy), stroke, neurology, critical care, neuro-oncology, general medicine and voice disorders. This role will be a rotation across stroke/neurology, critical care, acute medicine and head & neck oncology. We are seeking enthusiastic and motivated therapists with a keen desire to learn the skills necessary to excel in these rotations. 

The SLT team place a high value on the acquisition and development of evidence based clinical skills for the benefit of patients. We offer a supportive environment with regular team meetings and a rolling in-service CPD programme. In addition, you would be fully supported to enhance your knowledge and skills, working through formal competencies such as videofluoroscopy, FEES and tracheostomy management in line with your PDR goals. 

Suitable candidates should have completed post-graduate competencies in acquired dysphagia management. You must be registered with the HCPC and the RCSLT for this post.

For informal discussion, or to arrange a visit to the hospital please contact Kate Blick [email protected] 01483 408376.

Main duties of the job

To provide a specialist speech and language therapy service to patients with a range of complex communication and swallowing disorders. Depending on the rotation, this will include: 
•    Stroke and neurology patients on the Acute Stroke Unit.
•    Patients within the Intensive Care Unit at RSCH, including management of patients with tracheostomy and ventilator needs (within level of competency).
•    Patients on the Acute Medical wards at RSCH.
•    Patients undergoing treatment for Head and Neck cancer within the Royal Surrey Foundation Trust and wider Cancer Network. This includes patients undergoing surgical/oncological treatment under the Maxillofacial, Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) and Acute Clinical Oncology (Chemo-Radiotherapy) care pathways. As well as providing ongoing rehabilitation and support for patients in the post-acute phase of treatment as part of the MARS (Macmillan Assessment and Rehabilitation Service) team. 

The SLT team are committed to sharing best practice in the fields of acquired communication and swallow disorders, so provide regular training sessions for doctors, nurses and healthcare assistants as well as those staff trained to carry out basic dysphagia screening. 

Working for our organisation

Royal Surrey is a compassionate and collaborative acute and community Trust. Recognising that our 5000 colleagues are our greatest strength, we offer a comprehensive health and wellbeing program along with a commitment to developing and advancing your career. Our diverse and welcoming Royal Surrey family will ensure you that you feel valued from your initial interview through your entire tenure.

We are clinically led and provide joined up care by bridging the gap between hospital and community services alongside regional specialist cancer care. Our main acute hospital site is in Guildford with community hospital sites at Milford, Haslemere and Cranleigh. We provide adult community health services in homes across Guildford and Waverley.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) have given us an overall rating of Outstanding.

Royal Surrey has a strong reputation and history to build on. We are proud of our achievements and we are investing in our colleagues through our commitment to supporting professional development as well as investing more than £45 million in our physical environment and new equipment in the next few years. There has never been a better time to join us.

Although it isn't the Trusts normal practice, adverts may close early, so you are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible.

A video about the Royal Surrey - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R96pMboIYdo