Band 3 - Dietetic and Speech and Language Therapy Assistant

To work under the supervision of qualified Dietitians and Speech & Language Therapists (SLT), to undertake a variety of clinical and non-clinical duties to support the delivery of Dietetic & Speech Therapy Service to patients.

Under supervision, you will support patients with neurological and non-neurological conditions.

Be highly motivated and able to work flexibly

To have good spoken and written English and excellent communication skills.

To have an awareness of MDT roles and a caring and empathetic approach

To be involved in the practical implementation of treatment plans designed by SLT/ Dietitians, monitoring patient response, adapting the programme within a pre-agreed framework, and reporting on progress.

Monitor patients on oral intake/ nutrition support and feedback regularly to the dietitian and SLT.

To facilitate the provision of optimal nutrition, swallowing and communication recommendations to patients on the ward.

To monitor and maintain stock and equipment

To participate in In-house training and supervision

To assist the clinical teams in a range of activities including staff training, group education, admin associated with discharges including with enteral nutrition and support community referrals where required.

To support the Dietitians and Speech and Language therapists to provide a service to patients referred by nursing and medical staff for nutritional, swallowing and communication by:

Obtaining relevant information from medical notes, patient and hospital staff.

Reviewing stable patients and their nutritional, swallowing and communication needs, alongside support of senior colleagues as needed.Telephone contacts with patients relatives to obtain case histories.

Supporting Dietitians with enteral tube feeding discharges

Delivering pre planned SLT interventions to patients in the rehabilitation setting as directed by qualified SLT

Monitoring MUST score and food record charts, and encourage nursing staff to complete these.

Advising and educating patients where necessary on menu options and foods suitable for their dietary and textural needs.

Encouraging and assisting patients to choose and take appropriate snacks, nourishing drinks and prescribed supplements as per their diet recommendations.

Identifying patients food and drink preferences as necessary with regard to snacks, nourishing drinks and prescribed supplements, alongside their diet recommendations.

Liaising with Dietitians and SLTs regarding patients progress.

Recording information on electronic patient record

Work with all members of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) to ensure patients needs are met, including other therapists, medical staff, nursing staff and ward hosts/hostesses.

To provide a link between the catering department and the dietetic and the SLT department through regular communication with catering staff including ward hosts/hostess and catering managers, and food and snack ordering.

To organise and negotiate appropriate diets or food choices for patients with catering staff as required.

To provide pre-planned teaching sessions and presentations to members of the MDT on the impact of poor nutrition, swallowing and communication problems and to raise awareness of the importance of these in hospital.

To be involved in communication, swallowing, nutrition and hydration induction training for new staff.

Support the Dietitians and SLTs with student training.

To communicate with colleagues, patients and visitors in a polite and professional manner at all times.

To effectively communicate simplified nutrition, swallowing and communication information to hospital staff, patients, relatives and carers

To contribute to effective team working within multi-disciplinary teams.

To handover patient information to Dietetic or SLT colleagues at other Trusts and community teams as advised by qualified therapist, as well as writing and sending GP prescription letter requests.

To liaise with Dietetic or SLT Assistants at other Trusts (where relevant) to suggest development within the post and to seek peer support.

Attend regular supervision with managing Dietitian/Speech and Language Therapist, completing relevant paperwork, including competencies.

To keep accurate patient records at ward and department level in line with the Trust Record Keeping policy.

To assist the Dietitians and SLTs in the administrative and computing tasks not requiring their expertise, including making resources.

Our trust has over 17,000 staff serving 2 million patients every year. It comprises Barnet Hospital, Chase Farm Hospital, the Royal Free Hospital, North Middlesex University Hospital and more than 30 services in the community. This larger scale organisation provides an unprecedented opportunity for us to continue our pioneering work, particularly in finding ways to deliver even better care to our patients.

The Royal Free Hospital is a world-renowned teaching hospital located in Hampstead, Camden, London. Established in 1828 by surgeon William Marsden, it was the first hospital in London to provide free healthcare to patients who could not afford treatment. Today, it serves as a major teaching site for UCL Medical School and is the flagship hospital of the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.

Overall, the Royal Free Hospital is one of the UK's leading academic and specialist hospitals, combining high-quality patient care, medical education, research, and specialist services

Royal Free World Class Values

Essential: - Demonstrable ability to meet the Trust Values

Education & professional Qualifications

Essential: - GCSEs Grade 5+ or equivalent including English and Maths

Desirable: - NVQ Level 3 - Nutrition or health and social care

Knowledge & Experience

Desirable: - Demonstrable experience of working with a diverse range of people

Skills and aptitudes

Personal Qualities & attributes

Essential: - Adaptable and flexible as priorities may change quickly; - Able to maintain high standards of confidentiality