Job Description

Are you an experienced Speech and Language Therapist ready to lead, inspire, and make a real difference?



We are recruiting a Band 7 Highly Specialist SLT to join our Nutrition Support Team (NST) at Blackpool Victoria Hospital . This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a specialist caseload, influence clinical standards across the Trust, and work alongside a motivated and supportive team of adult SLTs.



You will lead SLT input for patients with complex feeding and swallowing needs across acute and community settings, offering expert assessments, second opinions, and contributing to multidisciplinary care planning. This role is pivotal in preventing patient harm, improving nutritional outcomes, and shaping the future of SLT practice within the Trust.



As the Clinical Lead for the Nutrition Support Team (NST), you will oversee the delivery of specialist Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) services for adults with complex dysphagia and feeding needs across acute and community settings. You will manage your own caseload, provide second opinions, and work jointly with SLT colleagues to ensure high-quality care. The role includes conducting advanced assessments such as videofluoroscopy and/or FEES (trained candidates preferred), facilitating mental capacity assessments, and supporting patients in shared decision-making.



You will offer leadership, mentorship, and training to the wider SLT and multidisciplinary teams, helping to build clinical capability and confidence across the Trust. Working closely with the Clinical & Operational Lead, you will help shape the development of this role and contribute to the strategic growth of SLT services across the organisation. As a key contributor to service development, you will lead audits, implement evidence-based practice, and drive quality improvement initiatives. You will represent SLT in Best Interest Meetings, ward rounds, outpatient clinics, and governance forums, ensuring compliance with NICE guidelines and contributing to clinical governance and risk management.



This is a unique opportunity to influence care pathways, elevate professional standards, and work within a motivated and collaborative team of adult SLTs.



At Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , we are proud to deliver compassionate, high-quality care to the communities we serve. Our Adult SLT service is known for its collaborative spirit, clinical excellence, and commitment to innovation.

As part of our team, you will benefit from:

A supportive leadership structure and dedicated Clinical & Operational Lead.

Opportunities to shape professional standards and influence service delivery across the Trust.

Access to CPD, clinical supervision, and leadership development.

A culture that values diversity, sustainability, and continuous improvement.

A motivated core team of adult SLTs who are passionate about patient-centred care.



We are committed to safeguarding, equality, and creating a workplace where everyone feels respected and empowered.



This Band 7 role is a pivotal clinical leadership position within the Nutrition Support Team (NST) at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. You will lead the delivery of specialist Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) services for adults with complex dysphagia and feeding needs across acute and community settings. As the clinical lead for this pathway, you will manage your own caseload, provide second opinions, and work collaboratively with SLT colleagues to ensure safe, effective, and patient-centred care.



You will conduct advanced swallowing assessments, including videofluoroscopy and/or FEES (training preferred), and facilitate mental capacity assessments to support patients in shared decision-making. You will represent SLT at Best Interest Meetings, ward rounds, outpatient clinics, and governance forums, contributing to multidisciplinary care planning and clinical governance.



A key aspect of the role is to provide leadership, mentorship, and training to the wider SLT team and multidisciplinary colleagues, helping to build clinical capability and confidence across the Trust. You will work closely with the Clinical & Operational Lead to shape the development of this role and contribute to the strategic growth of SLT services across the organisation.



You will also lead service development initiatives, including audits, implementation of evidence-based practice, and quality improvement projects. Ensuring compliance with NICE guidelines and contributing to risk management processes will be essential in maintaining high standards of care and patient safety.



This is a unique opportunity to influence care pathways, elevate professional standards, and work within a motivated and collaborative team of adult SLTs committed to delivering excellence in patient care.