Speech and Language – Acute
Speech and Language Therapist
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) to join a multidisciplinary team in an acute hospital setting. The successful candidate will provide assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders for patients with acute needs. This role requires advanced clinical expertise, leadership in service development, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care in line with the hospital’s values and standards. This is a role based in Westmeath. We will also accept a Staff Grade SLT.
Key Responsibilities of Speech and Language Therapist
- Conduct comprehensive assessments and deliver evidence-based treatment for patients with speech, language, voice, communication, and swallowing disorders, often related to stroke, neurological conditions, respiratory conditions, post-surgical recovery, and trauma.
- Manage a caseload of adult patients in the acute setting, ensuring timely interventions to improve patient outcomes.
- Provide both individual and group therapy, depending on patient needs and recovery pathways.
- Monitor and evaluate patient progress and adjust therapy plans accordingly.
- Collaborate with medical, nursing, and allied health professionals to develop integrated care plans.
- Facilitate patient and family education on communication or swallowing management strategies.
- Lead on service development initiatives within the SLT department, focusing on continuous quality improvement and evidence-based practice.
- Supervise and mentor junior Speech and Language Therapists, Therapy Assistants, and students, providing clinical supervision and support.
- Manage and prioritise clinical workload, ensuring efficient use of resources.
- Participate in the hospital’s multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) and contribute to case conferences, care planning, and discharge planning meetings.
- Contribute to hospital-wide initiatives, including patient safety and quality improvement programs.
- Be actively involved in departmental audits, clinical governance, and research projects to enhance the service’s clinical effectiveness.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills in Speech and Language Therapy through continuous professional development (CPD), attendance at relevant workshops, conferences, and self-directed learning.
- Promote evidence-based practice by implementing current research and best practices in speech and language therapy within the acute setting.
- Participate in clinical education and training programs for multidisciplinary teams to enhance understanding of communication and swallowing disorders.
Qualifications and Experience of Speech and Language Therapist
- Degree in Speech and Language Therapy recognised by the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists (IASLT) or an equivalent qualification.
- Registration with CORU (Health and Social Care Professionals Council).
- Experience as an SLT, with significant experience in an acute hospital setting.
- Proven expertise in managing dysphagia and communication impairments, particularly related to stroke, neurological conditions, and critical care.
To apply click below or contact jreid@medforce.ie
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