Inspirational Story

How did you get started and what was your journey to your current role?

During my GCSEs, I knew that I wanted to work with people and children. I enjoyed biology and knew a few speech and language therapists who inspired me to explore this as a career.

I studied Biology, Maths and Psychology at A-level, and English Language at AS level. During my A-levels I also took opportunities to gain experience in related areas including classroom support, supporting reading with visually and hearing-impaired children and volunteering in stroke support groups.

What was your next step after completing the Speech and Language Therapy degree?

After completing my BSc in Speech and Language Therapy at Newcastle University, I started working in the community within mainstream schools and clinics, and special schools.

In this role, I completed my paediatric dysphagia competencies before starting my role in the hospital. I have been working in the acute setting for 2 ½ years, where I’ve started a new developing role in working with neonates and will soon be starting my competencies to carry out videofluoroscopy swallow studies.

Have you had any reflections on what you thought of Speech and Language Therapy before working and now a few years on?

Before starting at university, I had no idea that Speech and Language Therapy was so broad! My placement in pre-school complex needs and acute dysphagia really inspired and influenced my journey to be where I am today. I feel so lucky to be a part of an incredibly supportive and driven team that really cares about the patients and families we support.

What does your role look like day to day?

I currently work as an acute speech and language therapist in a busy children’s hospital, developing my skills in working with neonates.

My role involves working with children and infants from pre-term to 18 years across several areas including neonates, intensive care, cardiology, respiratory and long-term ventilation, gastroenterology, neurology and neuro-rehabilitation, general paediatrics and surgery.

A typical day involves supporting infants and families with oral feeding and their journey leading up to oral feeds; assessing and managing infants and children with swallow / feeding difficulties and supporting communication.

I also work closely with members of the multidisciplinary team – including dieticians, doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists.

What do you love most about your role?

I love seeing the steps of progress that parents and infants make as you journey together with them – knowing that you played an important role in supporting them to have their first breastfeed or experience with solids can be incredibly rewarding. I also enjoy the busy nature of the acute setting – every day is different and I’m always learning.