Introduction to Speech and Language Therapy (SLT)
The Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust Therapies Directorate provides a fully comprehensive range of therapy services across the Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospital sites including Evelina Children’s Hospital, and in a number of outpatient community clinics and GP practices. Our Therapies Directorate is one of the largest in the United Kingdom employing over 400 staff across five clinical therapy departments; foot health, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology and speech and language therapy.
The Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) Visiting Professional Programme offers the opportunity to work within multiple speech and language specialties within our adult services, specifically ENT, voice, and head and neck oncology services. The programme is set in both the hospital workplace, integrating visitors into the adult SLT team, and within a community setting.
Programme aims
The programme is aimed at those who wish to learn more about Guy’s and St Thomas’ Speech and Language Therapy services, with particular focus on ENT, voice, head and neck oncology.
The programme includes:
- Opportunities to observe patient support and treatment groups, these include our Laryngectomy Education Workshop and Reflux Advice Group
- Access to multidisciplinary voice clinics and speech and language therapy led voice clinics
- An overview of the head and neck oncology patient pathway including pre-diagnosis, diagnosis and treatment planning, as well as pre-treatment assessment clinics and discharge planning
- Insight into the integrated community head and neck oncology team and the chance to experience rehabilitation clinics within the community setting
- Involvement in both internal and external teaching and training programmes
- An understanding of our enhanced recovery programme initiatives
- A Certificate of Attendance will be awarded to visitors upon the end of their programme.
Format
Our SLT department is highly involved with the development of national clinical guidance and policy, and we form part of the SLT Clinical Excellent Network, so visiting professionals will be able to gain exclusive insight into the research and audits that influence these clinical policies.
Who can apply
This programme is intended for non-UK professionals who are qualified Speech and Language Therapists, with an interest in furthering their specialist knowledge and experience in voice or head and neck oncology.
Programme duration
We are able to offer visiting professional programmes for overseas therapists for periods of four to eight weeks. The programme’s duration can be tailored to the specific learning requirements of those visiting the Trust.
Speech and Language Therapy service
We offer a service to adult clients with disorders of swallowing, communication and voice as a result of acquired neurological, respiratory or structural disorders.
Our specialists help with:
- voice disorders
- rehabilitation after head and neck surgery, including surgical voice restoration after a total laryngectomy
- respiratory medicine and tracheostomy management
- stroke rehabilitation
- care of the elderly
- communication and swallowing problems arising from cancer treatment
We provide both inpatient and outpatient services. Our inpatient services offer fibreoptic endoscopic evaluations of swallowing and provide care of patients on all acute inpatient wards, such as the Elderly Care Unit, the Stroke Unit, Cardiothoracics, Oncology and Neurology.
The outpatient services include videofluoroscopy clinics run in collaboration with the radiology team, the ongoing care of those with acquired neurological disorders of speech and swallowing, and attending to head and neck oncology patients. The team also participates in oncology and voice clinics with ENT and oncology medical staff.
Fees
A course fee per week will be applied; this fee excludes accommodation and travelling expenses. To find out the fee amount please email [email protected].
Please note
Clinicians are able to offer bursaries or discounted placements on an individual basis. This is at the discretion of the Directorates of GSTT and does not affect the terms and conditions of the Visiting Professional Programme agreements.