Speech and Language Therapist

Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the busiest and largest NHS hospital trusts in the country, with around 16,000 staff and an annual budget of £1.7 billion. We deliver high-quality care, clinical excellence, research, and innovation regionally, nationally, and internationally. We support people with rare and complex medical, surgical, neurological conditions, cancers, and genetic disorders across a range of hospital and community services.

About the role

To provide specialist speech and language therapy interventions for patients on the in-patient stroke rehabilitation ward, working as part of a multi-disciplinary team to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients following stroke. Additionally, at Freeman Hospital, you will assess and manage patients with other diagnoses in the acute phase of their recovery, including medical, cardiology, and respiratory wards.

The Adult Speech & Language Therapy Team uses Videofluoroscopy and Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing to assess dysphagia and is one of the leading units in the North of England to use Pharyngeal Electrical Stimulation in treatment. You will be well-supported in developing specialist skills, with a priority on achieving Dysphagia competencies.

Responsibilities

• Assess stroke patients on the rehabilitation unit
• Assess patients with other conditions across a range of wards
• Develop and implement care plans
• Provide appropriate interventions
• Advise ward staff and relatives on strategies for eating, drinking, and communication
• Work alongside experienced Speech & Language Therapists to deliver specialised services for patients with acquired neurological communication and swallowing problems

Requirements

Qualifications & Education

• Essential:
  • Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree Qualification or equivalent
  • Registered with the Health & Care Professions Council
  • Licence to Practice from RCSLT
  • Valid driving licence
• Desirable:
  • Undergraduate dysphagia modules

Knowledge & Experience

• Essential:
  • Undergraduate or previous speech and language therapy experience, including work with an adult caseload
  • Knowledge of communication and swallowing disorders in adults
  • Familiarity with a range of assessments and therapeutic approaches for adults
  • Awareness of dysphagia management
  • Experience of working with teams
• Desirable:
  • Understanding of audit and research principles
  • Experience with dysphagia assessment
  • Previous work experience with adults

Skills & Abilities

• Basic teaching, training, and presentation skills
• Good communication skills
• Strong organisation and time management skills
• Ability to assess communication disorders
• Excellent computer skills
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
• Ability to work on own initiative
• Highly developed auditory and perceptual skills

Benefits

As a flexible working-friendly organisation, we accommodate flexible working arrangements where possible. For more details on staff benefits, please refer to the attached documents.

Schedule

37 hours 30 minutes per week.

Interview Date: 18 August 2026

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Successful candidates who require a DBS certificate will have the cost deducted from their first month’s salary.