¬ 14 years of Total Communication

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF SPEECH & LANGUAGE THERAPISTS ¬ Volunteering at an orphanage April 2012 | www.rcslt.org in Moldova ¬ Giving Voice at the ballot box

Have you had the conversation yet? We need to talk about issues around professionalism

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BUL.04.12.002.indd Sec1:9 21/3/12 08:25:51 CONTENTS ISSUE 720 Steven Harulow bulletin EDITORIAL

We need to talk about 4 Letters 5 News professionalism 11 Opinion: Jennifer Marriott 12 Susan Fairbrother: Issues around professionalism e have all been there. however, the focus is on those 16 Ele Buckley, Claire Moser: A colleague reads a individual behaviours that creep across Giving Voice personal text while the boundaries of unprofessionalism. she is in the middle As our cover feature (pages 12-14) 18 Giving Voice W At the ballot box of seeing her client; another is more shows, the Department of Health’s than a little curt to someone’s anxious aim is not simply to produce yet 20 Genevieve Frankish: relative on the phone. What can you another new raft of offi cial guidelines, Volunteering at an do but sigh inwardly and bemoan the but to stimulate discussion among orphanage in Moldova decline in standards as the system professionals themselves as to what seems to continue to focus on what is is and is not acceptable behaviour. I 22 Nigel Miller: 14 years of Total Communication activity right for the budget, rather than what would very much like to hear your is best for the client? views on this subject. 24 Any Questions However, a very interesting I would also like to hear from you if debate has begun around the issue you or any of your colleagues or service 27 Obituary: Patricia Ann Le Prévost of professionalism in light of recent users are taking part in either the examples where the conduct of some Olympics or Paralympics (perhaps as a 29 Specifi c Interest Groups health and social care professionals has competitor, volunteer or torch bearer). fallen well below acceptable standards Please do write and let me know. 30 Your speech and language of behaviour. Th e bigger picture is therapy job adverts obviously concerned with client Steven Harulow Quick Look Dates dignity and basic levels of compassion Bulletin editor 33 and empathy. At the smaller scale, [email protected] 34 My working life: Rosalyn Addai “Th e aim is to stimulate discussion among professionals themselves as to what is and is not acceptable behaviour.”

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ROYAL COLLEGE OF SPEECH AND EDITORIAL BOARD Digna Bankovska, Sharon Christopher, PUBLISHER LANGUAGE THERAPISTS President: Sir George Cox Senior life vice Sarah Smithers Jason Grant 2 White Hart Yard, London SE1 1NX president: Sir Sigmund Sternberg Vice Tel: 020 7378 1200 presidents: Simon Hughes MP, Baroness Art editor: Carrie Bremner PRODUCTION Email: [email protected] Jay, John Bercow MP Chair: Hazel Roddam Art director: Mark Parry Kieran Tobin Website: www.rcslt.org Deputy chair: Bryony Simpson Senior picture editor: Claire Echavarry Honorary treasurer: Joanna Kerr PRINTING Professional director: Kamini Gadhok MBE ADVERTISING Pensord Press Ltd Sales manager: Steve Grice PUBLISHERS Tel: 020 7880 6220 DISCLAIMER Redactive Publishing Ltd Email: [email protected] ©2012 bulletin is the monthly magazine of the Royal 17 Britton Street, London EC1M 5TP Recruitment Sales: Giorgio Romano College of Speech and Language Therapists. The 020 7880 6200www.redactive.co.uk Tel: 0207 880 7556 views expressed in the bulletin are not necessarily Email: [email protected] the views of the College. Publication does not imply EDITORIAL Display Sales: Ben Nelmes endorsement. Publication of advertisements in the COVER ILLUSTRATION Editor: Steven Harulow Deputy editor: Tel: 0207 880 6244 bulletin is not an endorsement of the advertiser or Patrick Welham Susan Fairbrother Contributing editors: Email: [email protected] of the products and services.

April 2012 | www.rcslt.org Bulletin 3

003_contents.indd 3 20/3/12 21:26:33 Bulletin thrives on your letters and emails. Write to the editor, RCSLT, 2 White Hart Yard, London SE1 1NX email: [email protected] MY Your Please include your postal address WORKING and telephone number. Letters LIFELETTERS may be edited for publication (250 VIEW words maximum)

New graduates Th ank you Beryl Th e RCSLT

can’t get work It was a lovely surprise to see a name that I recognised in the February prize draw PRIZE experience issue of Bulletin (‘A chance meeting’, page 4). Beryl Kellow of the DRAW RCSLT Retirement Network wrote about a chance meeting with Bulletin someone who had inspired her while at school to become a speech readers can I was delighted to see the therapist. win a copy issue of new graduates and Not only did Beryl go on to be a speech therapist, she herself went of ‘Here’s work experience highlighted on to inspire others to become speech therapists themselves. As a how to treat in the March issue of Bulletin schoolgirl looking for work experience, I shadowed speech therapists childhood (‘Support your newly-qualifi ed in Swindon in the late 1980s. Beryl was the head speech and language apraxia of SLTs’, page 3). therapist. I was inspired. speech’. As a graduate trying to get onto Later, during my training in Cardiff , Beryl accommodated my Send your a postgraduate speech therapy placement requests and even when I was going to interviews for new name, training course, I had immense graduate position, Beryl was a great support... unfortunately there were address and trouble trying to get suffi cient no vacancies in Swindon. membership work experience to get on the Th e warmth and enthusiasm Beryl showed put me on a great career number to April Draw, Bulletin, course. I applied for a number path that started in Oxford, took me to New Zealand and continues in 2 White Hart Yard, London SE1 of assistant SLT jobs in Dorset, Warwickshire. Th ank you Beryl. 1NX. Entries close 16 April. Only Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, one entry per person. February’s and presented a CV fi lled with Jo Webb (nee Mitchell) winner was Kerry Walters from teaching and voluntary support SLT Advanced Specialist, South Warwickshire Foundation Trust Matlock in Derbyshire. work experience in schools and community groups in the UK and abroad. RCSLT Web Poll I was repeatedly turned down Time to embrace diff erences? Have your say... due to ‘insuffi cient experience’ and this eventually resulted in I read the article ‘Speech ferapy’: is this acceptable? (March Bulletin, me having to take a year out to page 11) with great interest and a slight sense of unease. I am an SLT Do your SLT volunteer in order to gain the with what could be described as a broad North Yorkshire accent. colleagues necessary experience to get on During my training this was only raised as placing me at a potential a course. Th is put considerable disadvantage to other students in phonetics seminars (when my present a fi nancial pressure on myself and elongated vowels were highlighted). professional my partner, and I can understand Otherwise, it was not bought to my attention as a speech ‘diff erence’ image at work? how many prospective SLTs might that should be addressed and I certainly would have felt discriminated be forced to rethink. against if it had been so. As a practising SLT, I now feel that my accent I am pleased to report that I has its advantages in helping my patients to identify with me and see 90 % say yes am now at University College me as an approachable professional. London in the fi rst year of their Surely, diff erences in the speech of student SLTs should be embraced, MSc Speech and Language as the patients they will go on to work with will have a diverse range of Sciences course and very much speech ‘variations’? enjoying gaining further valuable experience. Kelly Anderson SLT, by email Sam Cooper By email

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communication disabilities. Th e RCSLT honours 2012 criteria for eligibility for this award could include exceptional service to support speech and It’s time to nominate your colleague for one of the language therapy, creativity and innovation, relationship building, prestigious RCSLT honours sensitivity and appropriate management of diffi cult client situations or genuine contribution ince 1945 the RCSLT to improving quality of service to has used its annual clients. honours awards to Th e annual Sternberg Award Sacknowledge the for Clinical Innovation is for achievements of our members innovative work that is new to and those who have contributed a location and of demonstrable outstanding services to speech benefi t to the service, the clients and language therapy. Th e and the profession. Th e work nomination process is relatively should have been in existence simple to complete, so why for at least six months and not put forward one of your started within the previous two colleagues for one of the four years. Sir Sigmund has again categories available? kindly increased the money Th e RCSLT Fellowship award available for his award this year, acknowledges and honours and we are pleased to announce RCSLT members who have The 2011 honours winners at the London awards IMAGE Geoff Wilson that there will be two £1,000 contributed outstanding service ceremony with the RT Hon John Bercow MP prizes on off er. to the RCSLT or who have shown outstanding scholarship not less than eight years. for the benefi t of those with ◉ Nominations for the awards in the context of research and Th e Honorary Fellowship communication disability. close on 28 June 2012. publishing, teaching, clinical award acknowledges and Th e Assistant of the To nominate someone you must expertise and management. honours non-SLTs and SLTs from Year Award recognises the be a certifi ed RCSLT member. Nominees require a substantial overseas who have contributed outstanding work of RCSLT For more information email: record of service, which needs outstanding services to speech assistant practitioner members [email protected] or tel: to be sustained over a period of and language therapy, and for the benefi t of people with 0207 378 3001.

of the most established early Better Communication: shaping services intervention and prevention programmes that are now for children and young people in a position to demonstrate measurable impact. It also In autumn 2011, Jean Gross, Communication Action Plan and on the commissioning of provides case studies of speech the Communication Champion National Year of Communication provision for speech, language and language therapy services for Children, together with (visit: http://tinyurl. and communication issues, that are redesigning their the RCSLT, held conferences in com/4ykt8xd for conference provides an update on the services to deliver both quality Leeds, London and Coventry details). Better Communication Research and cost-effi ciency. to provide commissioners and Marie Gascoigne, Director Programme, and includes key Marie says, “I hope this speech and language therapy of the Better learning from publication will prove a useful service managers with the Communication the Bercow resource and serve both as an information needed to deliver Community commissioning illustration of how far provision high-quality, cost-eff ective Interest Company, pathfi nders that for children and young people children’s services. has edited a 48- exhibited posters at with speech, language and ‘Better Communication: page publication the three events. communication needs has shaping speech, language and to refl ect the Better come, and a reminder that there communication services for content of the Communication is still much more to do.” children and young people’ conferences. looks at ‘what brought together a sample of Also titled ‘Better to commission’ ◉ Visit: www.rcslt.org to the good practice identifi ed Communication’, by featuring download a pdf of ‘Better during the life of the Better it focuses examples of some Communication’

April 2012 | www.rcslt.org Bulletin 5

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NEWS IN BRIEF Communication New phone numbers at HPC The Health Professions Council (HPC) has changed its is the key telephone numbers to allow its registration department to take credit and debit card payments more securely. According to the HPC, the move will mean that registrants will now be Spotlight shines on criminal justice able to enter their card details using a telephone keypad. Calls with RCSLT events in Scotland and from landlines are often the same as a local call; calls from mobiles may vary. Northern Ireland ◉ The new reception number is: +44 (0)845 300 6184; the new registration department number: +44(0)845 300 4472.

Remote software SLT Femida Vanat is conducting research into the demand for internet-based software that will provide a platform, via the internet, to allow an SLT to conduct sessions remotely from the home, offi ce or clinic. Femida says the software will allow a clinician and their patient to share and manipulate a computer screen simultaneously and provide therapy games, fl ashcards, and secure case note recording. To take part in the research, complete a short online survey. ◉ Visit: http://tinyurl.com/7dpx7ff

Managers’ SIG seeks new committee From left: Professor Michele LaVigne, RCSLT NI Policy Offi cer Alison The Central Region Managers’ Specifi c Interest Group (SIG) is McCullough and Acting Head of Professional Development Dominique seeking a new committee to take over from the current one, Lowenthal examine the RCSLT’s e-learning tools which has been in place since 2008. Established in 2003 to address management issues for team leaders and managers, Th e RCSLT launched Scotland’s February 2012, pages 22-23). the SIG has posted and a number of well-attended study days. ‘Communicating Justice’ Meanwhile, on the following Topics covered have included ‘Solution Focused Brief Therapy Coalition in Edinburgh on 10 day in Belfast, the RCSLT in Management’; ‘Change from the bottom up: learning January with an event to examine attracted a strong audience from the social movement model’ and ‘Reducing costs and best practice in the sector across from the ranks of solicitors, improving service quality’. According to SIG Secretary Susan the UK, and methods to secure the police, the Department of Willows, “If we do not recruit a new committee by June 2012 and improve speech and language Justice and the Law Society at its we will, with regret, have to fold the Managers’ SIG. This is a therapy services. “Communication is Key” event. great opportunity to become involved in practical research, Th e event featured keynote Held jointly with the Youth maintain links with other SLT managers and share skills and speaker Michele LaVigne, a Justice Agency, the event aimed to ideas and add valuable study hours to your CPD log.” Contact lawyer and clinical professor raise awareness of communication the committee for details. from University of Wisconsin Law support for individuals in the ◉ Email: [email protected]; School. Professor LaVigne spoke justice system in Northern Ireland, [email protected] or gillian.williams@ about her research related to the explore the gaps in meeting bhamcommunity.nhs.uk communicative, behavioural and these needs and highlight RCSLT legal implications of language resources available. Professor impairments among populations LaVigne again gave the keynote NES expands ‘Eff ective Practitioner’ website frequently found in criminal address. NHS Education for Scotland (NES) has added a new range justice systems. Northern Ireland Justice of work-based learning activities, focusing on health priority SLT Kim Turner, from Her Minister David Ford attended areas, to its ‘Eff ective Practitioner’ website. Launched in Majesty’s Young Off ender and said that communication June 2011, the resource is aimed at practitioners and senior Institution Feltham, provided support needs are one of the key practitioners (Levels 5 and 6 on the Career Framework for a practitioners’ view by areas of need. Health). The website, which hosts podcasts, self-assessment highlighting the extent of services He added that specifi c tools, learning activities and links to a range of resources, was across England. Dr Ann Clark measures are required to achieve developed through NES user and electronic reference groups. presented the results of RCSLT best evidence and give victims NHS Education for Scotland welcomes volunteers to become research, which revealed a lack and witnesses a voice in the new members of both groups. of speech and language therapy justice system. Th e Youth Justice ◉ Visit: http://tinyurl.com/6ask52n provision in Scotland’s criminal Agency has agreed to pilot the justice system (see Bulletin, RCSLT e-learning training tool.

6 Bulletin April 2012 | www.rcslt.org

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Show us your innovations, research and best practice Call for submissions to the RCSLT’s 2102 conference closes on 30 April

Th e RCSLT’s triennial conference, workshops, parallel and plenary ■ Apply understanding of innovative practice. the largest gathering of the sessions and keynote speakers. the emerging commissioning ■ Understand how work around profession from across the UK Topics will cover the whole range environment to identify the development of outcome and beyond, will take place on 11- of adult and children specialisms, opportunities for service measures, the evidence base 12 September 2012 at the Midland with a focus on innovation and development. and new professional networks Hotel in Manchester. ‘Driving development; service redesign; ■ Develop a business case based is essential to support the transformation using evidence- speech and language therapy on existing evidence-based eff ective commissioning of based practice’ aims to provide an research; and the impact of practice and in the context of services. emerging picture of best practice research on clinical practice. fi nancial pressures. ■ Inspire others to engage by demonstrating evidence of Attending the conference will ■ Develop a business case proactively with the what works, outcomes for service help delegates to: for innovative and emerging development of ‘hubs’ in their users and cost eff ectiveness/value practice that own regions. for money. informs service ■ Apply current research to Th e RCSLT is inviting redesign. inform changes to clinical the speech and language ■ Discuss ways practice. therapy profession to share its of developing the innovations, examples of quality existing evidence ◉ Don’t delay. Send in your and improvement, and research base to support submission today. Visit: http:// and best practice. Th e conference commissioning tinyurl.com/7xdpfg6 will feature two days of oral needs and as a ◉ To book your place, visit and poster presentations, with tool to promote http://tinyurl.com/7t61gap

day and attending the meeting ■ Measuring outcomes. What gave me a good insight into baselines do we need to use and Developing outcome some of the challenges and how do outcomes measures opportunities in how we need relate to the outcomes that measures together to work together. SIG Chair commissioners require? Sharon Millard (Michael Palin ■ How SIG members can Centre Research and Clinical work together to take this withw the issue of outcome Specialist SLT) spoke about work forward. (We asked measures.m Add to this Payment her work on the evaluation of SIG members to consider the byby Results and we all agree there her service and Rachel Everard outcome measure tools already isis much we need to do together, (City Lit Specialist SLT and in existence (visit: http:// andan with other frontline Tutor Coordinator) presented an tinyurl.com/82kvkap) and practitioners,pr to look at defi ning interesting case study. Key areas the synthesis of the evidence andan measuring outcomes. to explore include: (http://tinyurl.com/3lc94sc). I was, therefore, thrilled that ■ Th e importance of collecting I hope that we will theth National Specifi c Interest data (who for and why) and the further develop some of GroupGr (SIG) in Disorders of types of data required to support this discussion at the SIG FluencyFl decided to make and inform outcome measures conference at City University As one of the RCSLT officersoffi cers this,th along with the new and service evaluation. London on 22 May (see page engaged in a number of national commissioning landscape, ■ Th e challenges/opportunities 32 for details). advisory groups to support and the focus of their study day in in data collection. I look forward to meeting infl uence policy development, Manchester on 7 March. ■ Linking data collection to you there. ■ it is interesting to see how many Working with the SIG on evidence-based practice: what organisations are struggling developing the format of the interventions are provided/why? Kamini Gadhok MBE, RCSLT CEO

April 2012 | www.rcslt.org Bulletin 7

006_007_news.indd 7 20/3/12 21:30:34 THE RCSLT CONFERENCE 2012 11-12 SEPTEMBER 2012 THE MIDLAND HOTEL, MANCHESTER

The RCSLT is aware that current drivers, including austerity measures, are impacting adversely on the quality of speech and BOOK EARLY AND SAVE MONEY language services across the UK, and that members are looking to Early bird fees the RCSLT to provide leadership to support them in response to this. One day Two days (up to 30 June 2012) ‘Driving transformation’ will provide an emerging picture of best £205 + VAT RCSLT member £102.50 + VAT practice across speech and language services. The conference will £123 £246 feature two days of oral and poster presentations with workshops, £123 + VAT £246.67 + VAT parallel and plenary sessions and keynote speakers. Topics will Non-member cover the whole range of adult and children specialisms, with a £148 £296 focus on innovation and development; service redesign; speech and language therapy research; and the impact of research on Fees from 1 July 2012 One day Two days clinical practice. £123 + VAT £246.67 + VAT RCSLT member LEARNING OBJECTIVES £148 £296

Attending the conference will help delegates to: £144.17 + VAT £288.33 + VAT Non-member • Apply understanding of the emerging commissioning £173 £346 environment to identify opportunities for service development. Delegate fees include refreshments, lunch and conference materials. • Develop a business case based on existing evidence-based practice and in the context of fi nancial pressures. • Develop a business case for innovative and emerging practice GRANT ASSISTANCE that informs service redesign. The RCSLT is pleased to announce that it is off ering fi nancial • Discuss ways of developing the existing evidence base to assistance to RCSLT student, newly-qualifi ed and assistant support commissioning needs and as a tool to promote members from the Penny Harrison Memorial Fund (please note innovative practice. terms and conditions apply and grants are available to a limited • Understand how work around the development of outcome number of members). measures, the evidence base and new professional networks is essential to supporting the effective commissioning of services. Visit: www.rcslt.org for further information on the 2012 RCSLT • Inspire others to engage proactively with the development of conference. ‘hubs’ in their own regions. • Apply current research to inform changes to clinical practice. Terms and conditions apply.

www.rcslt.org

March 2012 | www.rcslt.org Bulletin 9

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for children within the Language Resource. Clinical Lead SLT Giving Voice in Newham Joanne David reported that all pupils achieved at least 70% of their targets for each of the Shine a Light ‘SLT Team of the Year’ engages local three terms in 2010-2011, and service commissioners that just over 70% of pupils with SLI who leave the resource in Year 6 transferred to a pathway Th e Community Health involving minimal direct SLT Newham Children’s Speech and intervention. Language Th erapy Team took full Some of the children and advantage of its Shine a Light their parents reported on how ‘SLT Team of the Year’ Award, speech and language therapy when it hosted a Giving Voice intervention had transformed event on 1 December 2011. their lives. For example, we saw East London NHS Foundation a fi lm of Jason, an eight-year- Trust Deputy CEO John old boy with dyspraxia, being Wilkins welcomed a variety interviewed by his SLT. He told of guests who had gathered us, “When I was in Reception to discuss the best ways of nobody could understand me, commissioning outcomes for but now… the opposite!” His children with speech, language parents spoke of their journey and communication needs in to ensure Jason receives the best Newham. possible help and their relief now RCSLT CEO Kamini Gadhok that he has the intensive support MBE, presented the policy he requires. context and explained the of children and young people Antonyrajah. Following the After the event, a local impact of communication who stammer, and the powerful programme, more than 80% of councillor commented that she diffi culties on behaviour, impact of timely, therapeutic parents reported a high level of was now more aware of the learning, employment intervention. positive change in their children’s implications for children if their and mental health. British Newham SLT team members communication, in their own communication needs are not Stammering Association CEO (pictured) brought the key issues skills as communication partners addressed. She was particularly Norbert Lieckfeldt spoke into focus by describing the and in their own general impressed by the outcomes passionately about the needs communication needs of children wellbeing. being collected by the team. we are working with. Some of the ■ Th e excellent outcomes Encouraged by the response, we key aspects discussed included: achieved in the pilot project for now plan to hold further events, ■ Th e successful intervention a proposed care package for targeting GPs and schools. programme for children with pre-school children with specifi c autism, together with the language impairment (SLI), Nicki Moroney (Clinical Lead parent support package, ‘Let Me carried out by Specialist SLT Popi SLT) and Rachel Cliff ord (Highly NEWS Communicate’, presented by Psarou. Specialist SLT) Community IN BRIEF Highly Specialist SLT Renolda ■ Th e eff ects of intensive support Health Newham

E-newsletter: The Health Social media: Join us on Journal clubs: Would you Health outcomes: The Foundation has set up a monthly Facebook and Twitter and like to join an SLT journal club Children and Young People’s e-newsletter for clinicians and connect to the growing band in your local area or perhaps Health Outcomes Forum is non-clinicians, off ering a range of of members and service users set up your own? This is a great gathering views on the health perspectives on topical themes using social media to interact way to retain/build clinical outcomes that matter most for in healthcare improvement and with the RCSLT. You can read and knowledge and skills, create your children and young people, and patient care. The e-newsletter comment on the latest speech own continuing professional how the diff erent parts of the also has information on funding and language therapy news development opportunities and health system will work together opportunities, the latest posts, send messages to the develop a support network in to deliver these. Send your publications/blogs and upcoming RCSLT and chat to others in our your local area. comments by 30 April 2012. events. online community. ◉ Visit: www.sltjournalclub. ◉ Visit: healthandcare.dh.gov. ◉ Sign up at: www.health.org.uk ◉ Visit: www.facebook.com/ co.uk uk/children-say RCSLT or http://twitter.com/ RCSLT

April 2012 | www.rcslt.org Bulletin 9

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to promote national awareness Jean speaks with 1Voice of AAC and has recently been awarded a Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Travelling 1Voice members were honoured Fellowship. Th is will allow her to to host Jean Gross, in one of visit America and research how her last offi cial engagements AAC can reduce communication as Communication Champion, barriers. Nadia has also secured at their winter weekend in a work placement with a Swanwick, Derbyshire, on 9-11 government minister and Jean December 2011. More than 80 urged other young people people, including child and adult who use AAC to seek similar alternative and augmentative opportunities with their MPs. communication (AAC) users, 1Voice runs two national volunteers and family members events and publishes two attended the event. newsletters each year. It also Jean outlined the progress hosts a website and an email she felt had been made support group, and has a during her time in post in Kate Caryer growing number of regional (left) talks to relation to the fi eld of AAC Communication branches. Th e AAC role models and the amazing contribution Champion Jean Gross who help run 1Voice aim to the AAC community had inspire younger children to use made to the National Year AAC to chat and socialise. Th e of Communication. She also that government may fi nd a Jean specifi cally mentioned next 1Voice weekend is on 11-13 praised the hard-working permanent solution to funding Nadia Clarke, an adult AAC role May, 2012. Visit: www.1voice. volunteers and AAC role models specialist assessment and model and daughter of Katie info who run the 1Voice organisation communication aids for children Clarke, chair and founding and expressed her hopes and adults. member of 1Voice. Nadia works Amanda Hynan, SLT

between November 2010 and when they get that elusive fi rst Spring in the air – but November 2011 (in terms of post. For example, we have full-time equivalents) – and looked again at supervision and a spring in the step? our own intelligence suggests at the role of the independent that was disproportionately the sector alongside the NHS. (CCGs) taking up their budgets stripping out or downgrading Meanwhile in Scotland, and primary care trust and of posts at Bands 7 and 8, along the Government has put out strategic health authority with a chronic shortage of Band its Allied Health Professions clusters preparing for their own 5 posts for newly-qualifi ed National Delivery Plan. demise. A big part of our work practitioners. Obviously it’s good news that this year will be helping you to Th at is why we have such a thing exists at all, and infl uence locally in every CCG provided evidence to Andrew it’s a real chance to make AHP area in the land. Lansley to demonstrate the leadership more visible and more But the new budget year short-sightedness of slashing central to government strategy. brings with it another set of leadership posts with no We have got concerns though ‘effi ciency savings’ – and not thought for the future. We about whether everything just in England. Th e latest are also agreeing a package of speech and language therapy It’s budgeting and business fi gures show that the number measures to help NQPs stay does is properly included, and planning time here at the RCSLT, of SLTs employed by the NHS close to the profession and begin the fact that children’s services as we strive to make your in England dropped by 3% to get the skills they will need get only one mention in the hard-earned subs go as far as whole plan. Watch this space and possible. As the new fi nancial “Th ose of you who are experts your inbox, during April, to get year begins, we know that the your comments into the RCSLT pressures on you out in the fi eld and advisers, giving your time response. ■ are tougher than ever. In England, the next phase voluntarily, are the real stars” Derek Munn, RCSLT Director of the reforms kicks in, with of Policy and Public Aff airs, clinical commissioning groups Email: [email protected]

10 Bulletin April 2012 | www.rcslt.org

010_news.indd 10 20/3/12 21:32:59 COLUMN JenniferJen Marriott Opinion

Jennifer Marriott provides thoughts on working use, these skills. SLTs also realise not have what they had asked with children with severe learning disabilities and that not crediting such requests for was a much better solution complex needs can lead to non-desirable than eff ectively taking their behaviours and distress to the voices away. We agreed that child. However, the following if we were clear on what the scenarios left me to question young person wanted we whether we were, in fact, could address the need and facilitating the development whether we could grant it of skills that could not be or not, ensuring the young used at all. (Please note, the people still felt understood. In names have been changed for collaboration with staff and If you don’t ask, confi dentiality.) parents we introduced a number Dean loves to go out in the of strategies. you don’t get? car. He takes his car OOR to Priya now has a bottle of juice staff to ask to go out. However, and she is given a small quantity the limited number of drivers each time she presents her cup. in Dean’s residential bungalow Th is enables her to have more means that as much as staff requests honoured and in fact would like to take him out, it is more opportunities to request. not always possible. If she exhausts her limit she is Priya has medication that informed ‘drink fi nished’ and makes her extremely thirsty. puts the cup back in her OOR She makes repeated request for bag. She is told ‘now (alternative drinks using her OOR but this activity)’ and given a favourable leads to continence problems sensory item to distract her. and challenging behaviour, and Similarly, Elliott has his means that a balance needs to be snack-time treat broken up into struck between these two issues. small pieces, so staff can reward Elliot has a syndrome which, his requests throughout the day among other things, means without giving him too many staff must endeavour to ensure calories. He is shown his empty he remains on a strict healthy snack box to reinforce when it diet to avoid obesity and the has all gone. development of diabetes. Elliot’s Dean now has a ‘fi nished’ main motivation in life is food box and staff help him to put and it was no surprise when the his car object in this when he fi rst OOR he used was to request asks and there are not drivers a snack. available. It is immediately put In such situations, I often had back in his OOR to reinforce the staff asking me why we were fact that something diff erent teaching children to ask for has happened to this object and ILLUSTRATION Trina Dalziel things they could not have. I that it is not available. He is then have also heard stories of PECS given his ‘bungalow time’ OOR have worked with children symbols being removed or OOR and off ered other motivating with severe learning “I often had bags being put in cupboards so activities. disabilities and visual staff asking the children can’t use them in Such strategies have not only Iimpairment for the past other environments. Th is was ensured these young people two years and in that time me why we a real eye opener to me, in that can continue to develop voices nothing has put a bigger smile were teaching part of my role is to ensure staff everyone understands but on my face than hearing a recognise the need for enabling also improved perception of child has made their fi rst truly children to ask these children to develop introducing systems such as spontaneous picture exchange communication skills useful for PECS and OOR, and means we communication system (PECS) for things they life, not just what fi ts the school can work together to ensure request for crisps or taken could not have” or residential environment or these systems are as eff ective as their cup from their objects of their current health needs. possible. ■ reference (OOR) bag to ask for Over time, staff began to a drink. agree that developing ways Jennifer Marriott, SLT RNIB As all SLTs know, the need to to ensure the child recognises to help the young people Pears Centre, Email: honour these requests is pivotal the value of, and continues to understand that they could [email protected]

April 2012 | www.rcslt.org Bulletin 11

011_column.indd 11 20/3/12 21:34:13 FEATURE PROFESSIONALISM

ILLUSTRATIONS Patrick Welham

12 Bulletin April 2012 | www.rcslt.org

012-015_Cover.indd 12 20/3/12 21:35:22 FEATURE PROFESSIONALISM

Start the conversation Although even just one complaint is one too many, from the HPC statistics, it does not seem that there is a widespread problem Professionalism: with professionalism within the allied health professions. However, in the wake of the fi rst Francis inquiry into the failings at Mid- have you had the Staff ordshire NHS Trust between 2005 and 2008 (Mid Staff ordshire NHS Foundation Trust Inquiry, 2010), and reports of neglect conversation yet? and abuse, most notably last year’s BBC Panorama programme about Winterbourne View hospital (which ultimately led to the closure of the hospital and arrests of staff ) (BBC News, 2011), Chief Health Professions Offi cer Karen Middleton felt the time was How do you defi ne ‘unprofessional’ behaviour in a right for AHPs to have a discussion about changing world? Does professionalism encompass what it means to be a ‘professional’. In her behaviour outside of work? Susan Fairbrother reports fi rst move, Karen set up a working group to focus on professionalism among AHPs. Group members include representatives from the allied health professional bodies, the Council of Deans, frontline clinical staff and patients.

An uncomfortable question While AHPs have not been directly implicated in the Mid-Staff s or Winterbourne situations, what is interesting to consider is that there would have been AHPs working alongside some of the staff on the hospital ith the Th e big picture wards, and perhaps carrying out visits to the behaviour of At present, the HPC has 219,918 registrants. care home. An uncomfortable question to ask health and For the year 2010-2011, complaints aff ected is, why did the incidents go unchallenged social care 0.35% of the total number registered. In and unreported for so long? It may be that professionals terms of speech and language therapy, only low levels of professionalism become ‘the increasingly 0.19% (n= 25) of all SLTs registered had norm’ in some situations – and that a gradual coming under complaints made against them (HPC, 2011a). lowering in the levels of professionalism Wpublic scrutiny, the Department of Health’s Th e complaints where the HPC decided there and compassion can come about almost chief health professions offi cer, Karen was a case to answer included attending imperceptibly. Many small instances might Middleton, and the Health Professions work under the infl uence of alcohol, add up to one big problem. Council (HPC) think it may be timely to engaging in sexual relationships with service Karen says AHPs have an opportunity to engage in refl ection on what it means to users and failing to provide adequate care. take the initiative. “We need to be proactive be a professional. If such complaints are upheld, few would rather than wait for something truly awful Th e draft report from the Commission argue that such conduct would be viewed as to happen,” she says. “I must stress, it is not on Improving Dignity in Care for Older ‘unprofessional’. something that has come up as an issue... People (2012) refl ects an apparent growing Less clear cut is the small stuff that But is it a bad thing to raise it? We mustn’t concern from the public about compassion happens every day, those tricky grey areas be complacent; every single example of within the ‘caring professions’. One of the where it may not be entirely clear what unprofessional behaviour has an impact.” commission’s key recommendations is that, the ‘professional’ way may be – and where At the same time, a separate working ‘Hospitals should recruit staff to work with diff erent people may hold very diff erent group on nursing, midwifery and allied older people who have the compassionate views on what is appropriate. health professions in Scotland published values needed to provide dignifi ed care as Take this situation as an example. An its draft report on professionalism (http:// well as the clinical and technical skills’. SLT is assessing an older patient on a stroke tinyurl.com/7xe673d). It concludes that But what does that have to do with SLTs? ward. Th e SLT’s mobile phone bleeps and professionalism is not just an issue for Surely the speech and language therapy she stops to see what the text says. It is nurses and AHPs – it goes across the entire profession is one of the most compassionate from a friend. She stops the assessment to healthcare workforce. Th e report also states and, according to HPC fi gures detailing reply to her text. Th is happens several times that professionalism is multifaceted and can complaints made against allied health during the assessment. Is this misconduct? often be described in terms of things that professions (AHPs), there does not appear to Is it rudeness? Or is it taking a more relaxed have gone wrong, rather than things that be an issue with professionalism. approach in a multimedia world? have gone right. Th e report says, “Although

April 2012 | www.rcslt.org Bulletin 13

0012-015_Cover.indd12-015_Cover.indd 1313 220/3/120/3/12 221:35:361:35:36 FEATURE PROFESSIONALISM

Points for discussion

Social networking Workplace environment You are Facebook friends with some of your colleagues. You see a colleague has posted about her work day, You overhear a senior colleague being rude and impatient referring to a conversation she had with a patient. with a service user’s relative on the phone.

Written communication Mobile phones

You come into a colleague’s offi ce. She has briefl y left her desk You run into another therapist who is on a hospital ward assessing unattended. From where you are standing, a patient’s personal a stroke patient. She tells you she isn’t sure of a diagnosis and details are clearly visible on your colleague’s computer screen. consults her phone three times to check this on Wikipedia.

We have not provided ‘answers’ to these points, or even a steer – but we would be interested to hear your thoughts after you have had a chance to discuss them with your colleagues. Email: [email protected]

14 Bulletin April 2012 | www.rcslt.org

012-015_Cover.indd 14 20/3/12 21:36:08 FEATURE PROFESSIONALISM

healthcare professionals and support staff Th e report highlights external factors, such behaviour is as discussed as clinical perceive behaving in a professional way as management of resources and environment competence and expertise. Th is includes as a central facet of their role, they may as an infl uence on morale and professionalism: language, your appearance and so on.” fi nd it diffi cult to articulate exactly what “I’m lucky I’m on a nice, brand new station Should AHPs expect new professionalism professionalism means and what it looks like but you go to other stations, they’re dark and guidelines to land on their desk in the coming in everyday practice.” dingy and… things don’t work, nothing ever months? Karen says not at the moment. Th e gets fi xed, you put in a request for that light to working group feels there are already clear Canvassing AHP opinion be fi xed and six months down the line it’s not standards of conduct, performance and So, what is perceived as unprofessional done.” (paramedic student) ethics (HPC, 2008) as well as guidance from behaviour and in a changing world does Th e respondents also refl ected upon the professional bodies. “We don’t want to add professionalism encompass behaviour ‘blurred’ boundaries between behaviour in to the plethora of guidelines,” says Karen – outside of work, such as updating on and outside work, with particular reference to but what she does want is for AHPs to, “get Facebook? In 2010, the HPC commissioned use of social media. talking about the subject.” Department of Health-funded research “It’s a minefi eld [social networking sites], As the eff ects of austerity become on this very subject. Durham University it’s there, use it at your own discretion and apparent, and speech and language therapy researchers explored what the concept of it’s entirely up to you and be it on your head if services try to do more with less, it may be ‘professionalism’ meant to 115 students and you do something that you will later regret.” that ‘the small stuff ’ gets overlooked. Starting educators in three professions – occupational (occupational therapy placement educator). the conversation on professionalism and therapy, paramedic and podiatry (HPC, To build on this work, the HPC has keeping that conversation going through the 2011b). Th e results make interesting reading. commissioned further research, looking tough times ahead could be key to providing Th ere were comments on the constraints at ways in which professionalism might be the best possible care to service users. of working in the NHS: “I would [like to] measured. RCSLT CEO Kamini Gadhok says the RCSLT do this, this and this, but in the NHS you is pleased that Karen Middleton has seized the have not got time to do that [...] so your But I wouldn’t do that... initiative and is taking forward this sensitive professionalism from being such a very high Karen says, “We’re all capable of issue in a constructive way, working with the level when you leave here will certainly unprofessional behaviour – but we all need Allied Health Professions Federation. drop to a level that’s acceptable within the someone to say, ‘Th at wasn’t professional.’... Kamini says, “Th e RCSLT is keen to NHS, but you’re still being professional.” [We] came to the conclusion that we want support this initiative and we really want to (chiropody/podiatry student) to create a culture whereby professional engage you as members to take part in the discussion around professionalism. So, start the conversation today, through specifi c interest HPC Chair Anna van der Gaag gives her view groups, during your team meetings or in your journal clubs. We welcome your feedback and comments on your discussions.” Email: [email protected] ■ As clinicians become more involved The use of humour, calling a patient in the commissioning process and the by their fi rst name, and dress, were all personalisation agenda gathers momentum, examples of behaviours which needed References & resources nurturing high standards of professionalism to be adapted depending on the context, across all the professions is crucial. and the skill of professionalism was in The issues which have been a cause for knowing when to do what. Standards Commission on Dignity in Care for Older People. Delivering dignity concern – treating patients and service and codes were seen by some in the . Published February 2012. Available at: www.nhsconfed.org/Documents/dignity.pdf users with respect, communicating clearly, study as an important, if more remote, involving people in decisions about their infl uence on behaviour, a baseline level Health Professions Council (a). Fitness to practise annual report 2011. Available at: http://tinyurl. own care, keeping accurate records of of professionalism that should not be com/72u7a7j treatments and interventions – these are all breached. fundamental to good professional practice, There has been a great deal of research Mid Staff ordshire NHS Foundation Trust Inquiry. Robert Francis Inquiry report into Mid-Staff ordshire NHS and they are clearly articulated in the HPC on professionalism, but most of it in relation Foundation Trust. Available at: http://tinyurl.com/ standards. to doctors and nurses. I hope the HPC y9rfvzg What has emerged from our research report will provoke further thinking about BBC News Bristol. Winterbourne View Panorama was that ‘professionalism’ was seen not the centrality of ethics and conduct for ‘abuse’ hospital to close. 20 June 2011. Online report: so much as a discrete competency but a AHPs in delivering good care. For example, http://tinyurl.com/6g7mszt situational judgement, a set of behaviours is it more acceptable for colleagues Professionalism in nursing, midwifery and the allied infl uenced by context, rather than a fi xed, to discuss issues of competence than health professions in Scotland: a report to the defi ned characteristic. These behaviours conduct? I am not suggesting therapists Coordinating Council for the NMAHP Contribution to were strongly infl uenced by the particular need to make substantive changes in their the Healthcare Quality Strategy for NHS Scotland. care group, peer group, and knowledge and practice, but more that there may be a January 2012. Available at: http://tinyurl.com/7xe673d skills of an individual. How peers behaved, collective element here, which is worth Health Professions Council (b): Professionalism in for example, could strongly infl uence exploring further. We need more, not less, healthcare professionals, 2011. Available at: http:// how an individual viewed ‘professional’ talk about professionalism and values in the tinyurl.com/7219rjn behaviour, and what was appropriate in one 21st century, and therapists may well be the Health Professions Council. Standards of conduct, context might not be in another. ones to take a lead in these debates. performance and ethics, 2008. Available at: http:// tinyurl.com/7gwht3

April 2012 | www.rcslt.org Bulletin 15

0012-015_Cover.indd12-015_Cover.indd 1515 220/3/120/3/12 221:36:241:36:24 Claire Ele Moser& Buckley

Ele Buckley and Claire Moser present the fi nal Clinical Networks and Senates part of their series on the new commissioning are your opportunity to assume processes in England a leadership role in advising and leading clinical and system- wide reform.

Clinical Senates Th e NHS Future Forum – the independent advisory panel set up to report to Government on the NHS Listening Exercise – proposed the creation of Clinical Senates in June 2011 (visit: http://tinyurl.com/5t6pug2). Th e Government accepted this recommendation, saying the senates would comprise groups of expert ‘doctors, nurses and other professionals’. However, it is important to note that in late 2011, NHS Medical Director Professor Sir Bruce Keogh acknowledged that their Into the unknown: function was still ‘unclear’. We do know that Clinical Senates will provide multi- Clinical Networks professional advice on local commissioning plans which and Senates CCGs are expected to follow. It seems they will assist commissioners in fulfilling elcome to the Clinical Networks and Clinical their statutory responsibilities, ILLUSTRATION Natalie Wood fi nal instalment Senates. Th ese two bodies are by advising them on the of our series designed to provide advice clinical robustness of their individual strands of patient Wexploring the and support to commissioners plans. Advice will include care fit together better. health reforms in England. to help them perform their how best to integrate services Th ere are due to be 15 Clinical Th ank you to those of you who functions more eff ectively. locally and how to make Senates across England. Th ey have ‘confessed’ that these Although not covered in the articles have helped you to Health and Social Care Bill, the navigate your way around government has introduced Th e new commissioning landscape explained the new commissioning Clinical Networks and Clinical environment more easily. Senates to try and ensure Accompanying this fi nal piece that commissioning is more ■ Clinical Networks and Clinical Senates will provide advice (as an insert in your Bulletin) is multi-professional. Th e NHS and support to commissioners to help them perform their a campaign planner and pull- Commissioning Board will functions more eff ectively. out diagram. Members across support both bodies. ■ The NHS Commissioning Board will support Clinical Senates the UK will fi nd the campaign Th e government has said and Clinical Networks; they in turn will feed back to the board. planner a helpful guide for that Clinical Senates will ■ Clinical Senates will provide multi-professional advice on local plotting your 2012 engagement provide part of the way for commissioning plans that Clinical Commissioning Groups activities. Th e diagram inside Clinical Commissioning Groups follow. illustrates how the key pieces of (CCGs) to meet their proposed the new commissioning jigsaw statutory duty to secure advice ■ Clinical Networks will support commissioners by advising on single areas of complex care, to ensure services refl ect the in England fi t together. We will from a wide range of health needs of patients. be distributing Scotland, Wales professionals. For most SLTs and and Northern Ireland-specifi c fellow allied health professionals ■ Clinical Networks and Senates will provide an opportunity for inserts later in the year. a clinical senate will be the main SLTs to get involved at another level of the new commissioning landscape. Th is month we focus on forum to have your voice heard.

16 Bulletin April 2012 | www.rcslt.org

016-017_GV_column.indd 16 20/3/12 21:38:14 Giving Voice

“Th e government has introduced Clinical Networks and Clinical Senates to try and ensure that commissioning is more multi-professional”

range of functions, including RCSLT activity supporting improvements in The RCSLT has lobbied clinical or patient pathways and throughout the passage of the results of care. Health and Social Care Bill to At this time, the future ensure that AHPs and SLTs are role of the Clinical Networks represented in the new bodies is clearer than that of the and structures. Clinical Senates. In the coming We are still working to months, the DH will set out ensure that the Clinical Senates proposals for different types of clearly include us and that the networks. new Clinical Networks cover The DH has said it will test pathways that are important will not exist as statutory Clinical Networks some of the new structures to us. bodies or formal organisations Unlike the senates, Clinical in the North East. If you We will continue to work but instead will bring together Networks are not a new idea. work in this area and have an with the NHS Commissioning clinical leaders to provide a, Th ey already exist across the opportunity to get involved, Board and the DH to develop “vehicle for cross-specialty country for specifi c conditions contact us at the RCSLT so that the detail of Clinical Senates, collaboration, strategic advice or clinical areas, such as cancer, we can support you. including their precise role and and support to commissioners,” diabetes, stroke, coronary heart The DH will continue membership. ■ according to a Department disease, maternity services, to develop the role and of Health (DH) letter from Dr neonatal care and emergency responsibilities of the Clinical Claire Moser, RCSLT Policy Kathy McLean, who chaired the care. Th e government is keen Senates and Clinical Networks Offi cer and Ele Buckley, Future Forum group on clinical to build on these existing over the coming months, National Coordinator for Local advice and leadership. Th e DH networks. so watch the RCSLT website Campaigns. Email: claire. says they will not focus on one Clinical Networks can (www.rcslt.org) for further [email protected] and particular disorder or patient take many diff erent forms announcements. [email protected] group, but on the breadth but are usually specifi c to a of services. Clinical Senates patient group, disease type will not have a right to veto or professional group. Th e Get involved with a Clinical Network or Senate commissioning plans, but will intention is that they will help to assess the performance support commissioners by ■ Although it is not yet clear how the new Networks and Senates of CCGs. Th ey should, therefore, advising on single areas of will be set up, you should plan to be involved. be a useful route for inputting care, to ensure services refl ect ■ Is your service already part of an existing Clinical Network? the speech and language therapy the needs of patients in these and allied health professional areas of complex care. Clinical ■ Is anyone in or around your team involved in the network? If not, ask how can you get involved. perspective. Networks can undertake a

April 2012 | www.rcslt.org Bulletin 17

016-017_GV_column.indd 17 20/3/12 21:38:28 FEATURE LOCAL ELECTIONS

n 3 May, schools and church halls will again be called into action as polling stations for the local elections in England, Scotland and Wales. Th e 2012 Elections will decide on the political Omake up of 131 English local authorities, all 32 Scottish councils and 21 of the 22 Welsh local authorities. Th ree mayoral elections will also take place, in Salford, Liverpool and London (and London will also feature elections for the London Assembly). With local authorities taking on an increasingly powerful role in planning and funding speech and language therapy services, the 2012 elections will be an important opportunity to question your candidates on their commitment to people with speech, language, communication and swallowing diffi culties. Together, we can line up some well- informed local politicians who will champion communication and swallowing diffi culties in your council chambers.

Doorstep challenge We have produced two easy-to-use resources to enable you to make the most of the pre-election campaigning that will take place in your local area. First, we have chosen four key questions (see page 19) which you can cut out (or photograph, using your phone) and have to hand for any opportunities to speak to a candidate. Second, on the Giving Voice website Giving Voice at (www.givingvoiceuk.org) you will fi nd a ‘calling card’ that you can download, print and hand over to any candidates you meet. the ballot box Last year, RCSLT members in Scotland undertook a ‘doorstep challenge’ during the Scottish parliamentary elections. Armed with a set of key questions, our members made sure that no candidate left their doorstep without being quizzed on Vote for speech and language therapy this how they would support the profession if May by engaging with your local election elected. Th at is why we have taken their idea candidates before polling day. Ele Buckley and turned it into a UK-wide approach. explains how you can make a diff erence

Keep it local Remember, always keep your focus local when talking to candidates. Try and think where there are local and recent examples of potential threats to service users and how you as a service or an individual therapist can off er innovative and cost-saving solutions. To make sure your candidates don’t forget your conversation, give them a copy

18 Bulletin April 2012 | www.rcslt.org

018-019_Local_elections.indd 18 20/3/12 21:39:38 FEATURE LOCAL ELECTIONS

“Make sure the chance to spread the word about speech and language therapy does not pass you by”

decisions to fund speech and language the doorstep challenge – use the Giving Voice therapy are made. We have published a list questions and calling card to: of these areas on: www.givingvoiceuk.org ■ Query candidates at street stalls. In London, the mayoral elections will ■ Raise the issue of speech and language dominate the media agenda – will you be therapy at hustings. the one who brings Boris into the Giving ■ Help you draft letters to the local press. Voice campaign? Can you catch Ken’s ■ Write letters to candidates. attention for speech and language therapy? Make sure the chance to spread the word Th e capital is also electing new members of about speech and language therapy does the London Assembly. not pass you by at this election time. Most In Salford and Liverpool, mayoral elections importantly, remember this is just the will take place for the fi rst time. beginning. Once the election results are In Scotland, all 32 councils are going to in, build on your pre-election eff orts by the polls. One year on from a parliamentary contacting the new councillors and off ering election that saw Giving Voice champions rally them the chance to continue learning more ILLUSTRATION Mitch Blunt support from would-be parliamentarians, about speech and language therapy. You let’s bring in a set of councillors who’ll back could invite them to visit your service or our cause. RCSLT Scotland will be sending organise a Giving Voice coff ee morning of the ‘calling card’, available at: www. letters to candidates too. where they can meet service users, parents givingvoiceuk.org. Th is basic handout will In Wales, 21 of the 22 local authorities are and carers. ■ help lodge the issues you raise in candidates’ taking part in the elections. Th is is a great minds. Remember to fi ll in your contact opportunity to introduce councillors to the Ele Buckley, RCSLT National Coordinator for details in the space provided on the card so importance of speech and language therapy. Local Campaigns. that an interested candidate can come back If you are feeling adventurous, don’t stop at Email: [email protected] to you with more questions about how they can help protect (and grow) speech and language therapy in your local area. We have set set up a page on the Giving Voice website where you can tell everybody KEY QUESTIONS FOR ALL OUR LOCAL CANDIDATES: about your interactions with candidates. We want to hear reports from as many If elected, what will you do to ensure that... members and supporters as possible who have managed to bring speech and language therapy to the attention of local candidates. Speech and language therapy service users get the 1services they need? Who are we electing where? Children and young people in this area get timely access Th ursday, 3 May will be a busy day in many, to the speech and language therapy they need? but not all, parts of the UK. If you are unsure 2 whether there are elections in your area, Adults and people with long-term conditions get the here is the RCSLT’s whistle-stop tour of 2012 3speech and language therapy services they need? elections to help you fi nd out. The 60% of young off enders with communication In England, there are elections in 131 local authorities. We are especially keen 4support needs get the speech and language therapy for you to make contact with candidates services they need? in metropolitan and unitary authorities as this is the level of local government where

April 2012 | www.rcslt.org Bulletin 19

018-019_Local_elections.indd 19 20/3/12 21:40:00 FEATURE WORKING OVERSEAS

Making a diff erence in Moldova

Genevieve Frankish talks about her experiences of volunteering at an orphanage in Moldova

few days after parents who feel unable to look after their run any activities for the children and qualifying as child at home. Some of the reasons why they mostly aim to keep them calm and an SLT on City parents are unable to keep their children contained within one room. Th e orphanage University at home are quite simple, for example the is always aiming to save money, so lights London’s child is unable to use the steps up to their are used sparingly and toys are kept out postgraduate home or they are physically unable to get of the children’s reach so they do not get course in July on a bus to go to school. Unfortunately, damaged. When the children misbehave 2011, I spent three institutionalisation exacerbates many of the the punishments are usually quite severe. weeks in Moldova children’s diffi culties. For example, children For example, a child who took a piece as a volunteer in an orphanage for boys and who originally came in because they were of bread from another child was locked youngA men (aged between four and 20 years deaf now have stunted growth due to lack in the toilet for 15 minutes; a child who old) with disabilities. of exercise and nutrition, and autism-like tried to take a toy from another child had I worked through the charity Students symptoms due to lack of interaction. his hands tied together with a piece of with Kids International Projects (SKIP). Th e orphanage is home to 320 boys who material every afternoon. On the occasions Run by healthcare students, SKIP has are split into groups of around 12. Each we witnessed these incidents, we would projects based in 12 British universities, group usually has one carer to support release the child immediately. We wanted each of which organises trips to a diff erent the children with all of their needs, to model appropriate behaviour. It was developing country. Th e work in Moldova including washing, dressing and eating. very uncomfortable to see the children had three waves of volunteers, each staying It is almost impossible for the carers to experiencing such extreme punishments for three weeks and overlapping by one day. Each wave of volunteers consisted of 12 students or newly-qualifi ed health professionals, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists and doctors. “I would encourage other Th e orphanage Th e orphanage is based in the town of speech and language Orhei and is a government-run institution for boys and young men with a range of therapy students to get communication, physical and cognitive needs, including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, foetal alcohol syndrome and autistic involved in SKIP projects” spectrum conditions. Children come into the orphanage for a variety of reasons While some are orphans, others have

20 Bulletin April 2012 | www.rcslt.org

020-021_Frankish.indd 20 20/3/12 21:41:15 FEATURE WORKING OVERSEAS

Genevieve and her colleagues created care plans for each child

to support the children’s swallowing. staff to work there. It was a real pleasure We were able to take the time to support to see what had been achieved through children to feed themselves so that a charity work. Each girl had a medical fi le number were able to continue to feed and children received appropriate medical independently after we had left. Other treatment. Th e charity also employed health successes included facilitating several very professionals, including SLTs, who worked withdrawn children to become willing to in a well-resourced therapy room. Th ere engage and some children began to interact were daily activities for the children to with each other, rather than needing an participate in and the orphanage had a very adult to facilitate them. happy atmosphere. Th e charity has funded a number of I had a really valuable experience Moldovan medical students to visit the volunteering in Moldova. I felt able to orphanage throughout the year. I was contribute to the boys in the orphanage able to deliver training for these students both in a direct way and through indirectly on strategies to support the children’s training others. I also felt I developed my communication and swallowing. Th ere skills particularly in multidisciplinary are plans for some of the older and more working, the eff ective use of interpreters able boys to move out into community and using creative interventions. Th ese houses, which will hopefully develop their skills have supported my transition from independence and social activities. student to newly-qualifi ed practitioner. I would encourage other speech and language Charity works therapy students to get involved in SKIP We were also able to visit the girls’ projects. ■ equivalent of the Orhei orphanage. Th is was very diff erent, as it has had a large Genevieve Frankish, SLT, Children’s amount of input from a charity called Integrated SLT Service for Hackney and at the time there were no procedures in Outreach Moldova. Th is charity organises and the City. Email: jenny.frankish@ place to report such incidents. 900 volunteers to visit the orphanage each learningtrust.co.uk Some children are able to feed themselves year and employs 250 full-time Moldovan ◉ Visit: www.skipkids.org.uk using the metal tablespoons provided, others are spoon fed. Th e carers do not spend time on supporting children to feed SKIP response themselves. Th e meals were the same every day we were in the orphanage – for Bulletin contacted SKIP regarding the child protection issues raised in this article. SKIP example, lunch consisted of a thin fi sh soup, child protection leads and trustees, Drs Stacey Mearns and Rahail Ahmad, responded a porridge, which sometimes contained as follows: sausage meat, and a hot mug of tea. SKIP’s child protection system is managed and implementing changes and training as Long-term aims by ourselves. We are both qualifi ed doctors appropriate. All volunteers learn a basic level of and trustees for the charity and have been There are two core issues that have Romanian and we employed translators involved since the charity began nine years been raised here. Firstly the child for when we needed to communicate more ago. We have a child protection policy and protection issue mentioned in the complex information. We were keen to bylaws relating to child protection within article was not reported internally. We carry out interventions that would last our organisation. have begun looking into this. We will be longer than the nine weeks the charity is Child protection training is provided at making some key changes to our system two levels within SKIP; at a national level to to ensure that child protection issues based in the orphanage each year. Although all SKIP branches, and at a branch level to do not go unreported again. In order for most of the children do not have a formal all SKIP volunteers. SKIP’s child protection SKIP to take positive steps forward in medical diagnosis, we created a care plan reporting procedures involves completing improving the situation for children and for each child and documented likely an incident form (including details of the protecting their rights, it is imperative medical conditions and other information, issue and people involved, dates, time etc) that all concerns are reported internally such as their likes and dislikes. We created and escalation of this form to the child as a fi rst step. multidisciplinary goals for each child protection leads. The second issue is in relation to what to be worked on over the nine weeks After receiving the incident forms, we are currently doing for the children of intervention. I learnt a lot from the we work with the relevant SKIP branch involved. We are working closely with other members of the team, such as how in devising a strategy for action, which our Edinburgh branch to initially collect we then support the branch to carry all relevant information relating to child to support the physical development of out. There is an annual review of child protection concerns experienced on the children in wheelchairs. protection within the charity conducted project. Once we have this information we For my part, I trained the rest of the by ourselves, which involves reviewing will devise a strategy in conjunction with team on communication development, all child protection incidents that have the branch in order to move the situation games to facilitate attention and language occurred, as well as the current system, forward. development, and basic feeding techniques

April 2012 | www.rcslt.org Bulletin 21

020-021_Frankish.indd 21 20/3/12 21:41:53 FEATURE TOTAL COMMUNICATION

ywel Dda Local ■ Total Communication training: all new Health Board provides staff working within the learning disability healthcare services to services of Health and Social Services (HSS), a population of around and third sector employees contracted by HSS 372,320 throughout to provide services to this group, attend a one- the counties of day course. Carmarthenshire, Th e course provides background Ceredigion and information about communication and Pembrokeshire. A communication diffi culties; strategies to dedicated adult learning disability speech and promote eff ective communication; a core languageH therapy service works as part of four vocabulary of signs and symbols, and multi-agency community teams for people training on making visual information more with learning disabilities (CTLDs). accessible. Speech and language therapists, In 1998, we invited Jane Jones, manager support workers and service users deliver of the Somerset speech and language the training. External organisations, such as therapy service, to hold a workshop on the the police and independent mental capacity development of a local Total Communication advocates also access the course. We have strategy. Jane had previously carried developed a specifi c package to train nurses, out a two-year research project into tailored towards the information, signs and the eff ectiveness of the Somerset Total symbols they need to communicate with Communication approach (Jones, 2000). inpatient service users. Following this workshop we began to meet ■ Signing training: We have an agreed with people with learning disabilities to vocabulary of signs and symbols, selected develop the approach that has evolved over by a task group consisting of service users, the past 14 years. support workers and SLTs. We update this vocabulary regularly to refl ect the needs of Total Communication in 2012 the service users. Our support workers won Our Total Communication Strategy is now a the RCSLT Assistant of the Year Award 2009 formally-recognised policy provided across for developing a comprehensive 500-word the three counties to all third sector homes, A-Z vocabulary to add to the resource. Th ey residential homes and tenancies, and social also carry out signing training, culminating services and health settings. in a practical signing examination. Service Th e Total Communication package users, trained as sign tutors, assist the support consists of: workers in delivering the training.

■ ‘Making information accessible’ training: We have facilitated the development of guidelines for giving information to people with learning disabilities. Th ese are the only health board service guidelines written Promoting Total by service users and form the basis of our ‘Making information accessible’ training. Th e guidelines help staff to use software that Communication enables them to adapt appointment letters, timetables and other written information. We have developed a separate training in West Wales package to recognise the needs of our service users with profound and multiple disabilities, because we found we could not cover specialist communication in enough detail in Nigel Miller refl ects on 14 years of Total the one-day introduction session. Communication activity across three counties and Hywel Dda NHS Health Board Promoting communication Service users who have a learning disability have been unoffi cial volunteers for the speech and language therapy department and CTLD for several years. Th is volunteer work has included assisting with signing training, taking part in audits, and administration and

22 Bulletin April 2012 | www.rcslt.org

022-023_Miller.indd 22 20/3/12 21:43:48 FEATURE TOTAL COMMUNICATION Left: A recent TC coordinators' meeting Below: Three of our volunteers, from left - Nick Evans, Sharon Griffi ths and Teresa Nortney Bottom: The SLT team, from left - Yvonne Bruton-Miller, Rebecca Palfrey, Susan Marcus, Kate Richardson, Ann Davies, Amanda Rees, Nigel Miller, Lynda Rowlands and Gillian Morgan

Future developments We are constantly looking for ways to improve and develop our service. Th e Total Communication coordinator meetings generate many ideas that the team can take further. Our most recent project is to develop a ‘Review pack’ to facilitate service user involvement in their annual review. We have produced a 2012 calendar, featuring service users’ recipes in easy read format. In order to extend and develop our service to service users with profound and multiple disabilities we are developing an ‘Intensive Interaction’ network, with a special interest Th e coordinators meet with the SLTs, group attended by professionals, support support workers and service users within workers and carers. Intensive Interaction their county every two to three months facilitates the development of social and to share new ideas and receive training. communication abilities in people with severe New ideas often develop within this forum. learning disabilities (and often physical One very successful example has been the diffi culties and/or autism) who have little symbolising of menus in local cafés. Members or no functional speech and are typically of the wider community, such as those with described as diffi cult to reach (Firth et al, visual or literacy diffi culties, now request the 2010: Nind and Hewett, 2001). easy read, symbolised menus when visiting Th e work we have done would not have the cafés. Another successful project was been possible without the support of people the development of a Total Communication with learning disabilities, NHS and social calendar to boost awareness within the three services colleagues, as well as those working counties. A community company run by for other organisations involved in providing service users printed the calendar, which services. Th e ideas generated through our included photographs of people using various day-to-day work and discussions with Total Communication techniques. service users and colleagues have resulted We have an audit team, which consists of in practical solutions that have made a real service users, a social services manager and diff erence to peoples’ lives. We look forward an SLT. Th e team makes unannounced visits to the next 14 years of working together to to locations to check that they are meeting promote and facilitate Total Communication the Total Communication guidelines and in West Wales. ■ suggest further developments. Because the secretarial duties. Working with the health team is service user-led, we fi nd that their Nigel Miller, Th erapies Lead (Learning board’s volunteer coordinator, we have conclusions are relevant, meaningful and Disabilities) Hywel Dda Health Board. developed a comprehensive package of easy acted upon by the organisation being audited. Email: [email protected] read information, including role profi les and induction training material. People who have Resource development References & resources a learning disability are now able to volunteer We are developing an easy access website that via the health board’s volunteer scheme, and will contain sound and video material and Firth G, Berry R, Irvine C. Understanding Intensive receive remuneration for their expenses and hope this will enable service users to access and Interaction. London: Jessica Kinglsey, 2010. recognition for their contribution. navigate the site more easily. Our current Jones J. A Total Communication Approach Towards Designated Total Communication site is available at: www.carmarthenshire. Meeting the Communication Needs of People with coordinators take on the role of promoting gov.uk/totalcommunication. Th e new site Learning disabilities. Tizard Learning Disability Review communication within community will be available later in 2012 (at: www. 2000; 5:1. Nind M, Hewett D. A practical guide to Intensive locations (for example, in private homes, totcom.org.uk). Interaction, BILD, 2001. social activity centres (SACs) and residential We have produced accessible leafl ets and accommodation). Th ey ensure that information booklets, such as a hearing book that uses Further resources is accessible for service users and others simple text and photographs to inform service Baker V, et al. Adults with Learning Disabilities, Position accessing these locations. Th is can include users about having their hearing tested. Th is Paper. RCSLT: London, May 2010. Visit: www.rcslt.org/ creating visual timetables, diaries, and won the Welsh Healthcare Award in 2005. members/publications/downloadable communication books in SACs or by facilitating We have also worked with psychiatrists Guidelines for Giving Information to People with a particular resident’s communication system within the team to develop a bank of leafl ets Learning Disabilities (Hywel Dda Health Board) January 2010. in a private home. Th e coordinators also providing medication information in an easy Total Communication Strategy (A partnership provide basic training on Total Communication read format in both English and Welsh. We between Carmarthenshire County Council Social Care, to new staff in their area, prior to the staff won a ‘Welsh Language in Healthcare’ award Health and Housing Services and Hywel Dda Health member receiving full training. for these leafl ets in 2011. Board) July 2011.

April 2012 | www.rcslt.org Bulletin 23

022-023_Miller.indd 23 20/3/12 21:44:09 ASK YOUR COLLEAGUES Any questions?

Language Dementia assessments service

What is your experience of the Do you provide a dysphagia Test of Auditory Reasoning Want some and communication service and Processing Skills (TARPS) for people with dementia? I assessment? What other abstract answers, why am starting up this service in language/pragmatic language- Northern Ireland and would be type assessments would you grateful for advice. recommend? not ask your Ruth Sedgewick Bethan Franklin ruth.sedgewick@belfasttrust. [email protected]. colleagues? hscni.net uk Barium-infused Weaning Cystinosis and caplets Do you know of any research voice/dysphagia about the importance of How do you replicate the progressing onto lumps when Have you worked with an swallowing of tablets under weaning, specifi cally at stage adult with cystinosis? Did you radiographic conditions? Do you two (7-9 months)? Literature off er voice therapy or assess know of any barium-infused often quotes that lumps are dysphagia? caplets that replicate swallowing important to aid muscle Caroline Parry tablets while undertaking a strengthening needed for Caroline.parry@ videofl uoroscopy? speech. However, I am unable to royalberkshire.nhs.uk Andy Campbell fi nd evidence to support this. [email protected]. Melanie Hargraves uk melanie.hargraves@greenhq. Protocol-based co.uk swallow screen Dysphagia Do you use a protocol-based training FEES swallow screen with nurses on training your critical care unit, including Have you provided dysphagia for patients with tracheostomy? screen training to non-stroke Are you interested in accessing What criteria do you use for ward nursing staff ? What form support for your FEES service or suitable patients and those who did your training take? Was would you like to develop your should be referred directly to SLT? it eff ective and how did you FEES knowledge and skills? Melanie Taylor measure this? I am gauging the need and [email protected]. Samantha Holmes demand for FEES training via UK samantha.holmes@ on-site/remote supervision or bartsandthelondon.nhs.uk through courses. Annette Kelly Pathological [email protected] demand Melodic avoidance intonation Do you work in an area where therapy Email your brief query PDA is being used as a diagnosis/ Have you been able to develop to anyquestions@rcslt. explanation to patients and their melodic intonation therapy or org. Copy your reply to families? If so, who makes the its principles beyond a shortlist [email protected] if you would diagnostic decision? of functional phrases? like your reply publishing. Liz Franklin Deborah Greenaway www.rcslt.org/discussion/ [email protected] [email protected] forum

24 Bulletin April 2012 | www.rcslt.org

024_any_questions.indd 24 20/3/12 21:44:59 With over 45 000 copies sold, More Than Words® is a trusted resource for SLPs and families affected by autism

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+PENWFGUVJG/QTG6JCP9QTFUIWKFGDQQMCPFEQORCPKQP&8&CUYGNNCU6CNM#DKNKV[ŠŌ2GQRNG5MKNNUHQT8GTDCN%JKNFTGPQPVJG#WVKUO5RGEVTWO6JKUQHHGT OC[PQVDGEQODKPGFYKVJCP[QVJGTQHHGTU&KUEQWPVGZENWFGUEQODQUUGVUCPFOGODGTQPN[TGUQWTEGU The Hanen Centre® www.hanen.org Helping You Help Children Communicate

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April 2012 | www.rcslt.org Bulletin 25

BBUL.04.12.025.inddUL.04.12.025.indd SSec1:25ec1:25 21/3/12 08:05:18 Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to hear Professor Pam Enderby

SIG Adult Neurology invites you to join us on Tuesday 1st May 2012

Professor Pam Enderby, University of Shef¿ eld ‘Dysarthria – Context, Consensus & Evidence Based Practice’ ‘Dysarthria Technology: its contribution to service provision & management’

Tuesday 1st May 2012, 1.30 to 5.00 The Lecture Theatre, 33 Queen Square, WC1N 3BG Members free, non-members £10, Students £2 Essential to reserve a place email: [email protected] visit: http://signeuro.weebly.com membership enquiries: [email protected]

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26 Bulletin April 2012 | www.rcslt.org

BUL.04.12.026.indd Sec1:26 21/3/12 08:06:49 FEATURE Bulletin remembers those who have SUBdedicated HEAD XX XXXXX their careers to speech and language therapy Obituaries REMEMBERINGREMEEMMBERING

Patricia Ann Le Prévost 1936-2012

Pat Le Prévost died peacefully on 4 February Pat explained to the family how the signs 2012 after a long illness. Her career began would be used simultaneously with their when she qualifi ed from the Kingdon Ward speech as part of their everyday lives. She School of Speech Th erapy in London in taught the family the signs they needed 1958. She subsequently held general posts as the little girl developed, and the child but worked for the Oxfordshire service for soon started to communicate with the signsnss the longer and most signifi cant part of her herself. In fact, she surprised the ward career. staff during an unexpected hospitalisation was developed by the team andd pupublishedblb isi h As a chief therapist, Pat developed a by signing her needs at the age of about 10 for the families. Pat was a long standing cohesive team of committed therapists months. supporter of ‘Signalong’ and an active working throughout the district, Before long, paediatricians were routinely member on their board of trustees. with responsibility for meeting the referring to Pat, even when the mothers Pat was one of the therapists invited communication needs of clients of all ages were still in the maternity wards. She would by College to participate in the fi rst with learning disabilities – from visit and off er her unwavering support, Department of Health and Social Security- pre-school through to adult training hope and expertise. It is perhaps indicative funded posts in the early 1970s, to look centres. Pat sometimes appeared rather of Pat’s innovative work that this fi rst child, at the role for an assistant grade in the formidable but underneath she was caring now 33 years of age, went to Pat’s funeral profession. Pat’s remit was to have an and understanding. She stood no nonsense and asked if she could speak and say what assistant working within her team. At the but also knew the value of chocolate in Pat had meant to her. end of the year-long project it had been times of stress. Pat started a playgroup for very young so successful that our authority agreed to Pat was an innovator and a pioneer of children with Down syndrome. Th is was continue the funding to retain the post. work with children with Down syndrome. initially in a caravan but the support for her Later, Pat was appointed deputy speech She felt strongly that these babies could be work led to fundraising and the provision of and language therapy manager. At the same helped by the use of sign language from an a special ‘portacabin’. Th ese sessions were time she retained her clinical specialism. early age. It was a gut feeling at fi rst and it a joy to see. A manual with the appropriate She was generous in sharing her expertise started with one little girl and her family. vocabulary of signs, called ‘See and Say’, with other therapists and staff in special schools and adult training centres, as well as participating in residential staff training programmes. Pat was awarded a fellowship of College in 1988, during her career in Oxfordshire, “Pat was an innovator and a and she went on to successfully complete her Master’s degree. pioneer of work with children Pat’s skills and intuition made a signifi cant diff erence to the quality of life with Down syndrome” of many. Our sympathies are with her two daughters and her four grandchildren. ■

Barbara Hull, Deborah Pugh and Sue Harris

April 2012 | www.rcslt.org Bulletin 27

026_obituary.indd 27 21/3/12 10:18:22 Stuttering: Basic Clinical Skills Dynamic 2+ hour DVD demonstration of stammering therapy techniques by experts from around the world to help you work effectively with children and adults who stammer. DVD No. 9600

DVD CHAPTERS INCLUDE:

▶ Explore talking ▶ Holding/ and stuttering tolerating ▶ Identification moment of ▶ Explore stuttering stuttering ▶ Pullouts ▶ Explore change ▶ Cancellations ▶ Tools for change ▶ Making change ▶ Soft starts durable ▶ Changing rate ▶ Transfer ▶ Voluntary ▶ Disclosure stuttering

From Michael Palin Centre for Stammering Children, London: Frances Cook, MSc, Cert. CT (Oxford), Reg UKCP (PCT), Cert MRCSLT (Hons); Willie Botterill, MSc (Psych. Couns.), Reg UKCP (PCT), Cert MRCSLT; Ali Biggart, MSc, BA (Hons), Dip. CT (Oxford), Cert MRCSLT; Alison Nicholas, MSc, BA (Hons), Cert MRCSLT; Jane Bligh, BSc (Hons), Cert MRCSLT; Barry Guitar, Ph.D., University of Vermont; Peter Ramig, Ph.D., University of Colorado-Boulder; Patricia Zebrowski, Ph.D., University of Iowa; and June Campbell, M.A., private practice, Carmel, CA, provided additional footage.

THE STUTTERING OUNDATION® F To order: A Nonprofit Organization Since 1947 Helping Those Who Stutter www.StutteringHelp.org

NEW extended 4 day Keep in touch with course! your RCSLT online Specialist Development Programme for Speech • Follow our new interactive blog and Language Therapists working with children and • Become a fan on our Facebook page adults with Down syndrome • Join our increasing band of Twitter followers Inspiring, highly enjoyable and comprehensive course examining Down syndrome, evidence based practice in this fi eld, and speech and language therapy interventions tailored to the Simply visit: syndrome-specifi c profi le. This can be taken as www.rcslt.org a modular course and is delivered by Symbol UK’s team of specialist SLTs who are also and follow the links advisers to the Down’s Syndrome Association. Course venues and dates: Bristol, 18th-21st June and Kent, 1st- 4th October To fi nd out more and book your place, please contact Victoria Ralfs on [email protected] or call 0781 746 5614

www.symboluk.co.uk

28 Bulletin April 2012 | www.rcslt.org

BUL.04.12.028.indd Sec1:28 21/3/12 08:11:08 APRIL SIG NOTICES SPECIFIC INTEREST GROUPS

Send your SIG notice by email to: [email protected] by 2 April for May, by 2 May for June and by 4 June for July. Take advantage of the RCSLT’s low-price room booking rates for your next meeting. Visit: www.rcslt.org/about/room_booking/roombooking

Specifi c Speech Impairment Southwest SIG Marriott Royal Hotel, College Green, Bristol, BS1 email: [email protected] or 16 April, 1.30pm – 4.30pm 5TA. Register at: www.craniofacialsociety.org.uk. tel: 020 3049 537 Room SF42, PAHC Building, UCP Marjons, Derriford Email: [email protected] or Road, Plymouth, PL6 8BH. Contact: Julia Stewart, [email protected] East Midlands SLI SIG tel: 01752 636 700 ext 5644 or email: 30 May, 10am – 4pm [email protected] Trent Dysphagia SIG ‘Understanding impairments in pragmatic 26 April, 9.30am – 11.30am inferencing: linking theory to therapy’: Anna SIG Community and Domiciliary (Adult Neuro) ‘The management of Parkinson’s disease’. The Collins, SLT. Bennerley Fields School, Stratford 18 April, 9.30am – 4.30pm Royal Derby Hospital. Members £5, non-members Street, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 8QZ. Members Rescheduled study day: ‘Delivering aphasia therapy £10 (inc SIG membership). free; non-members £6. Email: janet.morrison@ in the community’. Will include workshop from Email: [email protected] for details dchs.nhs.uk or tel: 01629 823 721 colleagues at UCL who are researching conversation therapy for agrammatism. UCL. SIG Adult Neurology AAC Scotland SIG Members free; non-members £10 (can be paid on 1 May, 1.30pm – 5pm 30 May, 9.30am – 3pm day). For information and application form, Professor Pam Enderby, ‘Dysarthria – context, “AAC: can it ever be eff ective?” keynote speaker, visit: http://sigdom.weebly.com consensus and evidence-based practice’ and Dr Joan Murphy. Focus of day will be on ‘Dysarthria – technology: its contribution to implementation of AAC in real-life settings. Plus Specifi c Speech Impairment Southwest SIG service provision and management’. The Lecture AGM. Auchterderran Centre, Tower Block, 18 April, 1.30pm – 4.30pm Theatre, 33 Queen Square, WC1N 3BG. Members Woodend Road, Cardenden, Fife KY5 0NE. £30. Resource sharing – please bring along literature, free; non-members £10; students £2. Booking To book, email: jane.donnelly@fi fe.gsx.gov.uk research papers, assessment or therapy materials essential, email: [email protected], visit: http:// to share with the group. SF42, PAHC Building, UCP signeuro.weebly.com; membership enquiries: Essex SLI SIG Marjon, Derriford Road, Plymouth. [email protected] 30 May, 9am – 3.30pm Email: [email protected] Maggie Johnson: ‘Lost for Words’. Practical Specifi c Language Impairment SIG in Scotland strategies to support vocabulary acquisition, South East SIG in Deafness 11 May concept development and word retrieval. Culver 18 April, 9am – 4.30pm Dr Victoria Joff e: using narratives to enhance Centre, South Ockendon, Essex RM15 5RR. Cost for Study day and AGM. Geoff Plant: ‘Rehabilitation language and learning in children with SLCN; day plus autumn meeting, £28. Lunch available to materials for deaf children and adults’. Other comprehension problems in children with specifi c order before seminar begins. speakers tbc. Graham Fraser Lecture Theatre, language impairment: does mental imagery Email: [email protected] for booking form. Your Royal National Throat Nose and Ear Hospital, 330 training help? Karen Downie: parent of a child with place confi rmed once payment received in advance Grays Inn Road, London. WC1X 8DA. Annual fee £5; SLI describes the journey through the education non-members £3. Email: [email protected] and SLT services. Eilidh Ross: resource for South East and London Stammering SIG assessment of children with pragmatic language 12 June, 1pm – 5pm (1 – 1.45pm reg and AGM) Acquired Brain Injury in impairment. Queen Margaret University, ‘Creativity and humour: clinical application in Children and Adolescents SIG Edinburgh. Fee for day: SLTs and teachers £35; stuttering intervention’ Dr Joseph Agius, 18 April, 9.30am – 4pm support workers £20; students £15. Email: University of Malta and European Clinical ‘Transition back into school following acquired [email protected] Specialisation in Fluency Disorders. Relevant to brain injury’. RCSLT, London. £15 (lunch not those working with all children and adults. RCSLT, included). Email: [email protected] SLT in Children’s Centre SIG London. £15 for study day; annual membership £15 16 May, 10am – 3pm (includes two study days). Email: jo.lester@ National SIG for older children Workshop: ‘Best practice in children’s centres. learningtrust.co.uk or tel: 020 8815 4255 and young people with SLCN What does that mean?’ opportunity to explore key 23 April, 9.30am – 4.30pm messages, practical activities and best practice. East Midlands ASD (children) SIG Speakers will include Professor James Law, Dr Brierley Hill Health and Social Care Centre, 16 June, 9.30am – 3.30pm Helen Stringer, Dr Victoria Joff e and Dr Courtenay Venture Way, Brierley Hill, West Midlands DY5 Presentation and discussion re: Nice guidelines; Frazier Norbury. Will include AGM where we are 1RU. Members £5; non-members £15. Places summary of courses and conferences members hoping to nominate a new set of offi cers. Research limited. To book, email: jayne.blincoe@ have attended. Solution circles. Programme tbc. Beehive at Newcastle University. walsallhealthcare.nhs.uk Park Hall Autism Resource Centre, Nottingham. Email: vjoff [email protected] £5. Email: mary.helme@chesterfi eldroyal.nhs.uk or Aphasia Therapy SIG tel: 01246 514 513 South West Neurology SIG 16 May, 9.30am for 10am – 4pm 23 April, 8.45am – 4pm ‘Gesture in aphasia: assessment, therapy and new Scottish SLT SIG Dysphagia ‘The practical implementation of mental capacity technological applications’. Speakers: Professor 19-20 June assessments’: Julia Barrell (MCA manager), Nigel Jane Marshall, Dr Naomi Cocks, Dr Lucy Dipper, Paediatric VFSS: procedures, interpretation and Miller, Carys Holly, Sarah Fleming and Emma Rees Anna Caute, Abi Roper. RCSLT, London. Members treatment decision making. Dr Joan Arvedson, (SLTs). Will include information on the Mental £10; non-members £30. renowned researcher, clinician and lecturer, will Capacity Act; examples of how SLTs carry out Email: [email protected] or tel: present two-day seminar. Suitable for SLTs who do mental capacity assessments with diff erent client 020 7188 2522 not carry out VFSS, but who wish to know more groups (ALD, CVA, TBI); workshop on developing about when to refer, interpreting and reports, and guidelines for SLTs to complete MCA eff ectively. Head and Neck SIG (North) impact on treatment planning. Heriot Watt Members free; non-members £8; assistants £6; 21 May (full-day meeting) University, Edinburgh. Early bird (before 30 April): students £4. Email: [email protected] Multidisciplinary approach to dysphagia in head members £200; non-members £250. General and neck cancer. Will include videofl uoroscopy, registration: members £250; non-members £300. SIG for Cleft Palate and Craniofacial including its use with laryngectomy. Speakers: Email: [email protected] Anomalies (National) SLTs Dr Jo Patterson, and Anne Hurren, and ENT 25 April, 9.30am – 5pm consultant Mr Chris Hartley. Chesterfi eld Royal Study day: topics include: articulation apps and the Hospital, S44 5BL. Email: [email protected] Ipad; visual feedback therapy; one or two-stage palate repair?; experiences from early speech SIG Adults with Learning disabilities development; Beckwith Wiederman syndrome; London and Home Counties speech and language outcomes in single suture 21-25 May, inclusive. Follow-up day, 6 December synostosis: four-year audit. SIG day attached to the AWLD post-basic dysphagia course. RCSLT CFSGBI Annual Scientifi c Conference. Bristol conference rooms. £500. For application pack,

April 2012 | www.rcslt.org Bulletin 29

0029_specific_int_groups.indd29_specific_int_groups.indd 2299 21/3/12 10:21:04 TO ADVERTISE CALL GIORGIO ROMANO APPOINTMENTS ON 020 7880 7556 OR EMAIL AppointmentsCALL GIORGIO ROMANO ON 020 7880 7556 [email protected]

Principal Speech & Language Therapist Adult Deaf Services, Balham, London 37.5 hours per week, Band 8a, £45,068 to £52,838 Incl HCAS The Adult Deaf Service in the Specialist Services Directorate is part of the networks and professional bodies, offer clinical training placements for speech South West London and St. George’s Mental Health Trust. Our Trust is and language therapy students and contribute to training sessions for students responsible for the provision of Mental Health Services to the population of and professional colleagues from other disciplines. Merton, Sutton, Wandsworth, Kingston and Richmond, as well as providing The post is based at Old Church, which is based off the main hospital site. highly specialist services to the southern third of England. In addition, your role will include a significant amount of lone working, in other We are a multidisciplinary service that provides highly specialist input for deaf locations, which regularly means travelling out of London. adults who have complex mental health needs. People referred to our service We offer an established but flexible menu of supervision and support including use a variety of communication methods. These may include British Sign Language (BSL), spoken language or other means. Some clients may have close links with other SLT colleagues working within our Trust. limited or no formal use of language, learning disabilities and autistic spectrum We are looking towards employing someone who has experience working disorders. When combined with any presenting mental health needs, this often with Deaf people and has good sign language skills. BSL training will be provided means communication becomes complex and challenging. if the successful candidate does not possess signing skills. Speech and Language Therapy has been an integral part of the adult deaf For further information please contact Gill Taylor, Team Manager, service for many years, enabling deaf and hearing colleagues in the Adult Deaf Community Team on tel: 020 8675 2100, Mobile: 07984 016374 multi-disciplinary team to understand and effectively support each client’s or email: [email protected] unique communication through collaborative working. We place great value on Closing date: 16 April 2012. the role and contribution of the Speech and Language Therapist to our multidisciplinary team. Ref: 294-11SS297. We are currently seeking to recruit an enthusiastic, skilled colleague to join us and For further information or to apply please visit www.jobs.nhs.uk continue providing a highly specialised service, offering assessment, treatment, and search for job reference number 294-11SS297. advice, recommendations and training to support our clients’ communication needs. You will share information about each client’s communication to support The Trust is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from people who goal setting, care planning, social inclusion and recovery. have experienced mental health problems. South West London and St George’s Mental You will participate in clinical research and gathering an evidence base for Health NHS Trust is a smoke-free Trust. effective approaches to support communication needs. In addition, you will also maintain links with local and national speech and language therapy clinical www.swlstg-tr.nhs.uk

Huntercombe Services – Murdostoun Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre and Neurodisability Centre provide extremely high standards of care and rehabilitation for patients with brain injury or neuro disabilities. We now require the following to join our highly skilled team: SPECIALIST SPEECH & ... LANGUAGE THERAPIST e SALARY £32-35,000 PA DEPENDING ON EXPERIENCE l 37.5 HOURS/WEEK p We are looking for an experienced therapist to work in the m multidisciplinary team to provide clinical input to patients with i swallowing and communication disorders arising from acquired s brain injury and/or neurological conditions. The clinical duties include specialist clinical assessment and goal orientated therapy. it There are rehabilitation assistants to supervise as part of a larger team of therapists and nurses. p The Centre provides inpatient rehabilitation for people with traumatic brain injury, low awareness state, CVA and neuro- e behavioural difficulties. e Your role would include managing cognitive communication K disorders and assisting people to access community activities or Contact us return home after brain injury. You will have at least 3 years experience of working with adults with acquired neurological disorders in an acute or rehabilitation for locum SLT setting. Continued professional development is actively encouraged and supported. Positions nationwide For an informal discussion or to arrange a visit regarding the position please contact Kay Forbes, Head of Therapy, Murdostoun Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre on t: 020 7292 0730 01698 384055. e: [email protected] For role profile and application form, please contact Anne McGhee on 01698 384055. www.piersmeadows.co.uk Closing date: Friday, 20th April 2012

30 Bulletin April 2012 | www.rcslt.org

AprRec.indd 30 21/3/12 08:36:28 APPOINTMENTS CALL GIORGIO ROMANO ON 020 7880 7556

EXPERIENCED PAEDIATRIC SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPISTS REQUIRED FOR WANT TO WORK IN DUBAI AND LAHORE. This is an exciting opportunity involving clinic, school and nursery-based therapy and working with an international, multi-disciplinary team. Therapists will also be involved in training and supervision of local staff and therapists. ADVERTISE? Therapists will be supported both locally and from the UK, with CPD provided by The London Children’s Practice. The package includes secure and comfortable Please contact Giorgio Romano accommodation and fl ights. Short-term contracts considered. on 020 7880 7556 or email Prior experience of working in the Gulf is desirable but not necessary. [email protected] Please submit an up-to-date CV with letter or email of interest. For enquires and applications please contact Jonathan Duff y Tel: 020 7467 9520 Email: jonathan.duff [email protected] bulletin Closing date for applications: 1st May 2012

COME AND WORK IN SUNNY Speak-Easy London THAILAND Experienced, creative and dynamic therapists required to join Speak-Easy, Special Needs and International Mainstream Schools an independent practice that provides SLT to children in schools, nurseries Start date: Mid August 2012 and at home. Mountain Smile special school near Pattaya, in collaboration with the Village International We offer: Education Centre, is looking for an enthusiastic, experienced Speech and Language Therapist. You will work with children at Mountain Smile School, which provides education • Central London base • Hourly pay to children with a range of complex needs, including ASD. You will also work with children • Flexible hours • Term time only working attending international schools in the Pattaya area. We need someone who: • CPD support • Has experience working in schools Long term commitment essential. • Has experience of Makaton and PECS • Is confi dent to work independently and develop this new service Contact Zoe Urban with CV and covering letter at: • Can train staff to support children’s communication development [email protected] Please email Gemma Regan at [email protected] for more information or to submit CV. www.speakeasylondon.com www.village-education.com www.mountain-smile.com

RCSLT jobs bulletin NEWJOB? The offi cial recruitment site for the RCSLT, the professional body for speech and language therapists in the UK. You can search for vacancies for SLTs, including full- time speech and language therapy vacancies and part- time roles, or view lists of vacancies matching popular searches, such as speech and language therapy jobs in London and lecturer vacancies.

Start your search today and visit www.speech-language-therapy-jobs.org

April 2012 | www.rcslt.org Bulletin 31

AprRec.indd Sec1:31 21/3/12 09:23:35 CALLING ALL RCSLT SPECIFIC INTEREST GROUPS (SIGS)

Come to the RCSLT SIG Event, 22 May 2012, 11am – 3.30pm, City University London

The RCSLT is inviting one representative* from every SIG DON’T WAIT FOR THE EVENT: START across the UK to explore the challenges and opportunities in the context of austerity. Discussions will include: THE DISCUSSION • How can SIGs ensure they are seen to be an The RCSLT will provide each SIG with an online discussion indispensable part of the future of the profession? and fi le-sharing forum (Basecamp) in advance of the event. • What are the opportunities for SIGs to support service This can be self-managed and we hope SIGs will fi nd this a design and delivery? useful tool after the event for all their organising and • How have professional development needs changed planning. Email: [email protected] to arrange this. and what are the SIGs’ roles in light of these changes? Attendees will receive ‘take-away’ resources, which we will • How can innovative practice between SIGs and services also upload to Basecamp. Based on your feedback on how be shared on a regular basis, particularly in contributing the RCSLT can support you in the day-to-day running of to and disseminating the evidence base? a SIG, these materials will help ensure every member of every SIG can benefi t from this event. The materials will • What resources, support and networks can the RCSLT include advice on writing learning objectives, forms for provide to enable SIGs to meet current challenges and event management, and best practice tips for recruitment take advantage of opportunities? and retention of SIG members. Speakers, presentations and activities will inform discussion during the day. Full agenda to be confi rmed. NOTES BENEFITS OF ATTENDING • A £10 deposit is required, made payable by cheque, at the time of booking. This will be fully refunded upon • Excellent CPD for you, as you consider the bigger attendance at the event, by return of the original picture and lead your SIG to become essential, eff ective cheque. Terms and conditions apply; please see and energised. booking form for details. • You will be equipped with knowledge and best practice • The timings of the event are designed to allow travel ideas that will benefi t your service as well as your SIG. within a day from across the UK. In arranging your attendance at this event, don’t forget • * Although are limited places, it may be possible to schedule a feedback session with your team. for up to two members of a SIG to attend – please • Your SIG will be at the frontline of hearing latest email us and let us know why this would be useful. strategic developments from the RCSLT. • If you believe your SIG will be unable to send a representative due to travel costs, the RCSLT may be able to provide some funding. Email your request for assistance to: [email protected] before 20 April (including full details of travel) as we cannot consider applications which arrive after this date.

www.rcslt.org/news/events/forthcoming_events

28 Bulletin April 2012 | www.rcslt.org

SIG.inddBUL.04.12.032.indd 1 Sec1:28 20/3/1221/3/12 15:51:3208:15:20 QUICK LOOK DATES

Throughout 2012: Communication Elklan total training package for Penny Lacey (Birmingham University), 12July, Nasendoscopy scoping Matters Road Shows of under-fives plus cutting-edge workshops, displays course for SLTs Communication Aids and more. Cost: £110. Brochure from: Equips SLTs and teaching advisers to A workshop with theory and practical [email protected]. Cardiff, 23 April; Scunthorpe, 25 April; sessions to help clinicians develop provide practical, accredited training uk. Tel: 01608 642 559. Early booking Glasgow, 15 May; Liverpool, 22 May; their skills at passing a scope. Useful to staff working in Early Years, 2-3 advisable Newcastle, 19 June; Northampton, 28 May, Salford; 27-28 June, London. for therapists working with voice and June; London, 13 November (tbc). Teacher/therapist teams welcome. dysphagia caseloads. Northwick Park 21 June, Social stories immersion Hospital, Harrow. £120. Email: janine. Book online: www. £425 therapist, £325 teacher. Tel: workshop [email protected] or tel: 020 8869 communicationmatters.org. 01208 841 450, email: henrietta@ 2410 uk/roadshows, email: admin@ elklan.co.uk, visit: www.elklan.co.uk Presented by Carol Gray at The Carlton communicationmatters.org.uk Hotel, Dublin Airport, Ireland. To book, September, Fibreoptic endoscopic 10 May, The Out-of-Sync Child phone Sensational Kids +353 45 520 Lis'n Tell: live inclusive 900. Download brochure from: evaluation of swallowing storytelling How sensory processing disorder www.sensationalkids.ie A one-day course for SLTs. Run by affects learning and behaviour. Quest Training in Birmingham. Further For paediatric SLTs and associated Presented by Carol Kranowitz, author 21-23 June, PROMPT: Technique information and booking forms professionals. Pioneering Care Centre of The Out-of-Sync Child. Carlton Workshop, Midlands available from: www.quest-training. County Durham DL5 4SF, Part 1: 14-15 Hotel, Dublin Airport, Ireland. To book, com or contact Jo Frost, email: jfrost@ June. RCSLT, London, Part 1: 9-10 July, phone Sensational Kids +353 45 520 Focusing on technique and learning ukgateway.net Part 2: 27-28 September. £250 inc. 900. Download brochure from: the four levels of prompting that www.sensationalkids.ie materials/certificates/lunches. Contact support the broader, holistic philosophy 6-7 September, BAS Therapy Louise Coigley, MRCSLT. Email: lfc@ and approach of PROMPT. A rare Symposium, City University London lisntell.com or visit: www.lisntell.com 15 May, 5pm to 7pm, SpLD SIG opportunity to access this training in Don’t miss this opportunity to focus on ‘Working memory and its impact on the UK. Visit: www.eg-training.co.uk, tel: 25 April, Scunthorpe Communication current practice in aphasia therapy and learning in the classroom’. A stimulating, 01530 274 747 Matters roadshow to explore new developments in the lively presentation by Alex Tate. Fairley field. Join us for a range of clinical case 22 June, From kid-tastrophe to An invaluable product demonstration House School, 30 Causton Street, presentations, posters, symposia, and cooperation day presented by leading suppliers Pimlico, SW1P 4AU. Members free; non novel therapy ideas five-minute speed of communication aids and other members £8. Enquiries: patriciafisher@ How to teach students with ASD to read presentations. Full fee £120; daily rate AAC products. See listing above dsl.pipex.com and interpret social context. To book, £80; student concessions. NB: you for more roadshows in UK. Book phone Sensational Kids +353 45 520 need to be a BAS member to attend online: www.communicationmatters. 22 May, Enhancing communication 900. Download brochure from: the symposium (£20; £10 for students). org.uk/roadshows, email: admin@ skills for people with Parkinson’s www.sensationalkids.ie For more information and to register, communicationmatters.org.uk visit: www.city.ac.uk/bas-symposium Workshop on providing practical suggestions for improving areas of speech 25 June, Attention and listening in 27 April, How to deliver 23-25 September, Communication and writing. Suitable for any professional the early years, Cheshire conversation partner training for Matters CM2012 National friends and family of people with working directly with people who have A group for facilitating the attention Conference Parkinson’s. Email: nicky@conductive- skills of young children through acquired brain injury Leicester. Presentations and exhibition education.org.uk for information or visit: adapted songs and games. Open to all embracing a wide range of AAC A one-day workshop run by specialist www.cannonhill.org.uk professions working with children in SLTs aiming to equip you with the topics, from practical concerns and the early years. Visit: www.attention personal experiences to the latest evidence base and skills required to 30 May, 9.30 – 3.30pm andlisteningintheearlyyears.co.uk research and developments in AAC. deliver this innovative and effective Using ‘Shape Coding’ to teach Contact: Communication Matters intervention. £140. Contact: grammar to school-aged children 25-26 June, Elklan total training 0845 456 8211, email: admin@ amanda.d’[email protected], tel: with SLI package for verbal children with ASD communicationmatters.org.uk, visit: 020 8510 7967 www.communicationmatters.org.uk/ Susan Ebbels – Moor House School, Equips SLTs and teaching advisers to Hurst Green, Surrey. £150. Contact conference 30 April, 9.30am – 4pm, Southwest provide practical, accredited training to Gill Crawford email: crawfordg@ those supporting verbal children with Autism SIG 5-6 and 7-8 November, TalkTools moorhouseschool.co.uk or visit: ASD. Covers a range of strategies and Welcome to the new SW SIG and www.moorhouseschool.co.uk/shape- approaches. London, £425 therapist, A three-part treatment plan for oral- AGM. Greg Pasco, effectiveness coding-course for further details £325 teacher. Tel: 01208 841 450, email: motor therapy. Level one: general of PECs; Sue Roulstone, research; [email protected], visit: introduction to the programme. Corinne Rees, attachment. The 31 May, Dysphagia Day, Warwick www.elklan.co.uk TalkTools: Level two; oral-motor Vassall Centre, Gill Avenue, Bristol, therapy: assessment and programme Dysphagia speakers/presentations BS16 2QQ. £20 for membership or plan development. Level two: indepth including FEES, reflux, dysphagia 26 June Birmingham, 28 June £15 for the day, £5 for lunch. Only 50 assessment and management. Visit: menus and latest dysphagia products/ London. Talking Mats® Training places. Contact: juliet.keighley@nbt. www.eg-training.co.uk, tel: therapeutic developments. Great nhs.uk or [email protected] These full-day workshops explore 01530 274 747. opportunity for CPD and networking. the potential of this communication Elklan total training package for £25. Email: [email protected]. framework in depth. Accredited 5-11s uk, tel: 01926 317 700 ext7527. training 3-4 May Stirling. For course requirements contact Talking Mats: Equips SLTs and teaching advisers to 11-12 June, Working with listening www.talkingmats.com, email: provide practical, accredited training and auditory processing difficulties [email protected] or tel: to education staff and SLTAs. 30 April 01786 479 511. – 1 May, Salford; 25-26 June, London. Understanding, assessing, profiling Teacher/therapist teams welcome. and managing auditory processing 27-28 June, London, Elklan total £425 therapist, £325 teacher. Tel: difficulties. Two-day course for training package for 11-16s 01208 841 450, email: henrietta@ professionals working with clients elklan.co.uk, visit: www.elklan.co.uk with listening difficulties. Edinburgh. Equips SLTs and teaching advisers to £275 (Early bird £250). Email: camilla@ provide practical, accredited training BOOK YOUR 1 May, SIG Adult Neurology (L7), 1.30 johansenias.com or tel: 0131 337 5427 to staff working in secondary school to 5pm settings. Teacher/therapist teams QUICK LOOK 13 June, Using inner speech to welcome. £425 therapist, £325 teacher. Professor Pam Enderby, University DATE TODAY support behaviour and learning Tel: 01208 841 450, email: henrietta@ of Sheffield, ‘Dysarthria – context, elklan.co.uk, visit: www.elklan.co.uk Increase the potential of your consensus and evidence-based Encouraging clients with developmental and acquired difficulties to develop and course or event by advertising in practice’ and ‘Dysarthria – technology: the RCSLT Bulletin Quick Look use their own voice to support thinking 2-6 July (five days), Paediatric its contribution to service provision Dates section. A Bulletin survey and learning. Edinburgh £140 (Early Bird Eating, drinking and swallowing and management’. The Lecture course shows 79% of readers have Theatre, 33 Queen Square, WC1N £125). Email: [email protected] attended a course advertised in 3BG. Members free; non-members or tel: 0131 337 5427 SLT Sheffield. RCSLT Registered. these pages. £10; students £2. Essential to reserve + follow-up day: March 2013. Fee: a place, email: siganmembership@ 15 June, Penhurst School PMLD £500, inc lunches. Course details Contact Giorgio Romano to study day gmail.com. Visit: http://signeuro. available from: [email protected], book your advert. Tel: 020 7880 tel: 0114 271 7617. Please email where 7556 or email: giorgio.romano@ weebly.com. Membership enquiries: ‘Communication and PMLD – Looking redactive.co.uk [email protected] to the future’. Keynote Speaker: Dr possible.

April 2012 | www.rcslt.org Bulletin 33

BUL.04.12.033.indd 33 21/3/12 08:19:40 Rosalyn

MY WORKING Addai LIFE OCCUPATION: NQP, LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANT WITHIN MAINSTREAM PRIMARY SCHOOL AND RELIEF BANK SUPPORT WORKER AT THE CAMDEN SOCIETY

“Remaining resilient, passionate and self-motivated is essential, if we NQPs are to overcome the challenges faced within this profession”

t is 11.25am. I open my email inbox. this job off er. It not only makes use of my To my surprise, I discover I have a clinical skills but also signals an end to my message waiting for me. It happens stressful job hunt. Ito be from a local NHS trust. Eagerly, At present, I really enjoy supporting and I log onto my NHS account to read what delivering indirect speech and language I hope will be an interview invitation. therapy interventions to a Year 1 child However, this is not the case. As I read with high-functioning autism. Th is role the message, my eyes fi x on the fi nal has also deepened my understanding paragraph: ‘Due to the overwhelming of the primary school curriculum. number of applications received for this Furthermore, I am able to develop my vacancy, you have not been shortlisted on teamworking skills, through collaborating this occasion...’ with classroom teachers, special Th ese words echo inside my head. I educational needs coordinators (including am back to square one again. I dread the SLTs) on a daily basis. thought of again searching for newly- Alongside this, during school holidays qualifi ed posts, proof reading CVs and will enable me to use my clinical skills, and weekends, I work as a relief bank personal statements, along with anxiously while gaining valuable work experience support worker at Th e Camden Society awaiting the outcome of my applications. related to the speech and language therapy in diff erent environments (such as How can one sentence dramatically profession. community, respite care and employment diminish my self confi dence within In October 2011, I secure two voluntary settings). In particular, I feel that this seconds? Although, I have secured two positions. Th e fi rst is supporting children role has enhanced my ability to work interviews in the past, I am disappointed with severe learning disabilities, profound independently and fl exibly. that I have been unable to obtain more. and multiple learning disabilities, and So what have I learnt so far as a newly- I begin to question myself: ‘What is autistic spectrum disorders within a qualifi ed SLT? A fl exible approach will wrong with me?’ Th e employers are not specialist secondary school. Th e second play a vital role in securing my fi rst exempt from my questioning: ‘Don’t they is with Th e Camden Society as a support qualifi ed post, especially in such a diffi cult know how much eff ort and time I spent worker, where I support adults with economic climate. My undergraduate perfecting this application?’ and ‘What learning disabilities. As a volunteer, I degree in linguistics and postgraduate were their exact reasons for not shortlisting am given access to a range of training speech and language therapy qualifi cation me?’ opportunities, which contribute towards has equipped me with valuable and After an insightful conversation with my my continuing professional development. transferable skills. Th ese skills can be careers adviser at City University London, While volunteering in both settings, I used in diff erent contexts, allowing me to I decide it is time to change my strategy. apply for paid work related to the speech maintain and develop my clinical skills. I am going to be more open-minded and and language therapy profession. In Finally, remaining resilient, passionate fl exible during my job search. I am going November 2011, I fi nally secure a learning and self-motivated is essential, if we NQPs to look for voluntary placements as well support assistant post within a mainstream are to overcome the challenges faced as paid opportunities. Voluntary work primary school. I am ecstatic to receive within this profession. ■

34 Bulletin April 2012 | www.rcslt.org

034_workingweek.indd 34 20/3/12 21:48:32 Get connected at the show in partnership with ain associationutism with 15-16 June 2012 | ExCeL, London

The national event for autism dedicated to parents, carers and professionals.

Q Hear leading professionals and high profile parents discuss the latest Q Hear leading professionals and high profile parents discuss the latest research, helpful strategies and their personal experiences in the Autism research, helpful strategies and their personal experiences in the Autism Matters Theatre. Speakers include Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, Kathy Lette Matters Theatre. Speakers include Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, Kathy Lette and Anna Kennedy and Anna Kennedy Q Listen to the experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum in the Q Listen to the experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum in the Autism Talks in association with the Autistic Rights Movement Autism Talks in association with the Autistic Rights Movement Q Access confidential professional advice in the 1-2-1 Clinics Q Access confidential professional advice in the 1-2-1 Clinics Q Gain a better understanding of autism and the needs of individual pupils Q Gain a better understanding of autism and the needs of individual pupils on the spectrum in the AET Training Hub Theatre for professionals working on the spectrum in the AET Training Hub Theatre for professionals working across all education settings for pupils aged 5 -16 years across all education settings for pupils aged 5 -16 years Q Discover 100s of specialist products and services Q Discover 100s of specialist products and services Q Be inspired by the Step in the Right Direction Dance session supported Q Be inspired by the Step in the Right Direction Dance session supported by Pineapple Arts and acts from across the country performing in Autism’s Got by Pineapple Arts and acts from across the country performing in Autism’s Got Talent @ The Autism Show all in association with Anna Kennedy Online Talent @ The Autism Show all in association with Anna Kennedy Online Q Explore the many interactive features including the BIC Art Zone, the Q Explore the many interactive features including the BIC Art Zone, the Sensory: Inside-Out feature created by Rompa and Timotay Playscapes, the Sensory: Inside-Out feature created by Rompa and Timotay Playscapes, the NAS Photography Competition Exhibition, the Research Zone in association NAS Photography Competition Exhibition, the Research Zone in association with Autistica and the Quiet and Sensory Rooms created by Mike Ayres Design with Autistica and the Quiet and Sensory Rooms created by Mike Ayres Design

TO BOOK TICKETS AND SAVE 25% VISIT www.autismshow.co.ukTO BOOK TICKETS AND SAVE 25% VISIT www.autismshow.co.ukHelp to connect the autism community by inviting Help to connect the autism community by inviting others living or working with autism. others living or working with autism.

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Follow us on Organised by March 2012 | www.rcslt.org Follow us on BulletinOrganised by 9

BUL.04.12.035.indd Sec1:9 21/3/12 08:53:12 Wiltshire Farm Foods Offers a nutritious and convenient range of texture modified meals

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Looks great, tastes great and ready in minutes

At Wiltshire Farm Foods, we believe that everyone should be able to enjoy tasty, Sue Baic Msc RD nutritious and tempting meals, delivered direct to their door. However, those unable Consultant Dietitian to chew, swallow and digest ordinary meals properly, haven’t always experienced the pleasure of attractive, flavoursome food.

To solve this problem, our chefs have developed a range of texture-modified “Our texture modifieddified (Categories C & D) meals, that will tempt every appetite. meals are visually appealing and don’t Offering over 60 meals and desserts within this range, we deliver appealing and compromise on flavour wholesome meals with gluten-free and vegetarian options – so whatever your clients individual requirements are, there is something that caters for their every need. and nutrition. This means our customers enjoy Our meals are a convenient and time-effective way of ensuring that food is eating them, getting the consistently the right texture for ease of swallowing, giving your patients and their valuable nutrition they carers complete peace of mind. need to aid recovery and well-being. ”

Sue BaicBaic MscMsc RRDD Consultant Dietitian to Soft Chicken Curry Puréed Fish in Creamy Puréed Mixed Fruit apetito & Wiltshire Farm Foods £3.70 Sauce £4.45 Pie & Custard £1.00

To order your FREE brochure call 0800 066 3702 www.wiltshirefarmfoods.com MarchM 2012 | www.rcslt.orgo Bulletin 9

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