Specialist Neonatal and Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist in Kingston upon Thames

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Neonatal / Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist to join our friendly team of acute Speech and Language Therapists at Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust. The post will be based at Kingston Hospital working predominantly on the Neonatal and Paediatric wards. You will be the sole Speech and Language Therapist for the neonatal unit / paediatric wards, therefore the ability to work autonomously is essential.

There is an AHP therapy team, with whom you will develop strong links and take part in an AHP‑led developmental ward round. You will gain professional support from the wider Adult Acute Team and Community Paediatric SLT team. A comprehensive supervision structure is in place, and you will be well supported in your role by the SLT department and wider MDT.

Experience of working with neonates and children with feeding, eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties in an acute or community setting is essential. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and prioritising a caseload of neonatal and paediatric in‑patients presenting with a range of feeding / swallowing difficulties. Collaborative joint working with the community teams is strongly encouraged.

Occasional attendance at paediatric outpatient clinics may be required, and there will be opportunities to help develop the service in collaboration with the Principal SLT and paediatric and neonatal teams and community teams.

At a highly specialist level, you will independently assess, diagnose, treat, and discharge neonates and paediatric patients with suspected or confirmed feeding, swallowing, eating, drinking and communication difficulties within the neonatal unit and paediatric wards. You will work collaboratively as an integral member of the neonatal and paediatric multidisciplinary team, supporting staff and families to identify babies and children at risk of dysphagia and communication challenges to establish safe, effective, and positive oral feeding and supportive communication practices.

You will provide expert clinical advice and/or interventions for complex neonatal and paediatric dysphagia cases and contribute to the development and implementation of evidence‑based feeding and communication pathways. As part of the wider neonatal team, you will promote developmental care principles to support optimal neuro‑developmental outcomes for babies and support with advocacy of Baby Friendly Initiative principles on the neonatal and paediatric wards.

In addition to clinical duties, you will take a leadership role in service development, audit, education, and training of staff and families, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and family‑integrated care. You will also supervise and mentor junior staff and students, ensuring high standards of clinical practice.

Your growth and personal happiness matters to us. From the moment you join us, we’re committed to fostering your professional and personal development within a supportive, empowering environment. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to advance further, we provide you with the tools and opportunities you need to succeed.

We actively support colleagues to take part in research, quality improvement and innovation, whatever their role or level in the organisation. To support your wellbeing, we offer an extensive range of resources, including an on‑site staff nursery at Kingston Hospital, wellbeing practitioners, regular wellbeing classes, dedicated staff physiotherapist, comprehensive occupational health services, 24/7 employee assistance programme, and a range of other support and activities. We also take every opportunity to thank and recognise the work our teams do, through weekly ‘shoutouts’ and patient feedback, monthly and annual awards.

Wherever you work across our organisation, we look forward to welcoming you.