Highly Specialist Head & Neck Speech & Language Therapist

Job overview

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Trust (LTHTR) is seeking to recruit a Highly Specialist Head & neck (H&N) Speech & Language Therapist (SLT) to join our exciting, complex and fast-paced H&N SLT service, with plans to expand regionally across the Lancashire & South Cumbria patch.  If you enjoy working within a strong MDT, with a focus on patient-centred care and want to develop or grow your H&N specialist skills - this job is for you!

RPH is a specialist tertiary Cancer Centre, and we provide both Surgical and Oncology treatment for H&N patients on the same site.  You will be expected to assess and treat inpatients on our specialist oncology, ENT, maxillofacial and critical care wards, as well as outpatients across the oncology and surgical pathways.

Royal Preston Hospital provides a Laryngectomy service including Surgical Voice Restoration Clinics.  Training for voice prosthesis management would be available for the successful candidate dependent on level of experience.  We have established Videofluoroscopy and FEES services.

We are ideally looking for an experienced and autonomous individual who has the passion and drive to work in the clinical area of H&N cancer.  However, we would consider a Band 6 development post for the right applicant.  We have a flexible approach and would consider both part time and flexible working arrangements.

Main duties of the job

• To provide clinical leadership and service development within H&N SLT services under the supervision/direction of the H&N SLT Clinical Lead.
• To use evidence-based, highly specialist skills to manage complex surgical and oncology clinical caseloads (inc. laryngectomy, SVR, tracheostomy & late effects).
• Utilise instrumental assessment (VFS/FEES) as required.
• Provide training / support to staff working with patients and their carers / families
• To attend MDT meetings and Pre/Post treatment clinics to optimise patient care.
• To carry both an inpatient and outpatient caseload.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see separate job description and person specification for full details:

• Effective communication of complex and often distressing information to patients and carers.
• Effective MDT communications
• Undertake highly specialist clinical assessment, differential diagnosis and management of H&N cancer patients.
• VFS / FEES / SVR.
• To initiate and implement change collaboratively with the Clinical Lead SLT.
• To complete own appraisal and personal development.
• Demonstrate advanced skills and knowledge in specialist area, including development of the team.
• Take responsibility for the planning and organisation of service provision across sites.
• Actively participate in clinical governance agenda.
• Deputise for Clinical Lead SLT in H&N in their absence.