Life as a speech and language therapist

Reanne sat in a treatment room, uploading notes on a computer

Reanne is a Speech and Language Therapist within the Acute Adult Team. Here she shares what her role involves and how she got into it.

What does your role involve?

My job involves supporting adults who have difficulties with swallowing, speech, language, or communication following conditions such as neurological illnesses, respiratory conditions, stroke and other acute medical issues. I work across different wards, which means every day is different and brings new challenges and learning opportunities.

A big part of my role is helping patients regain confidence and independence. Sometimes this can be helping someone communicate with their family again after a stroke, or helping a patient safely return to eating and drinking after being seriously unwell.

I work closely with nurses, doctors, dietitians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, patients, and families to make sure people receive the best possible care during their hospital stay.

What made you choose speech and language therapy?

I always knew I wanted a career where I could help people in a meaningful way, but I also wanted a role that combined healthcare, communication, problem-solving, and relationship building. Speech and language therapy stood out because it allows you to make such a huge difference to someone’s quality of life.

After completing my speech and language therapy degree, I started as a newly qualified practitioner at another Trust, before joining Mid Yorks in a developmental band 5 to 6 role.

Starting in the acute setting was both exciting and challenging because there is such a steep learning curve, especially around dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and working with medically complex patients.

The developmental role gave me the opportunity to gradually build my confidence with support from experienced colleagues and regular supervision. Over time, I became more independent in managing complex caseloads, making clinical decisions, and working within fast-paced environments. Progressing into my Band 6 role felt like a huge achievement and really showed me how much I had grown both clinically and personally.

What are the best bits about your role?

The best part of my role is knowing that even small interventions can have a massive impact on someone’s life.

I love the variety of the job and the fact that no two days are ever the same. One moment you might be supporting a patient with severe swallowing difficulties, and the next you’re helping someone communicate with their loved ones for the first time since their stroke.

I also really value the relationships you build with patients and families. Acute settings can be incredibly emotional and vulnerable environments, so being able to support people through difficult moments is something I find very rewarding.

Another huge positive is the team around me. Working within a supportive multidisciplinary team means you are constantly learning from others and working together to achieve the best outcomes for patients.

A collage of photos showing items used to support patients with speech and language needs. Including a colourful anxiety light, semantic books and easy to digest food

What advice would you give to someone wanting to do a similar role?

I would say try to gain as much experience as possible and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. Acute speech and language therapy can feel overwhelming at first, but you learn so much through experience and support from others around you.

Being compassionate, adaptable, and willing to keep learning is really important. Communication is such a huge part of being human, so this role allows you to genuinely change someone’s day-to-day life.

I’d also say to trust yourself and your growth. When I first started, I never imagined how much confidence and knowledge I would gain through the developmental pathway.

What do you enjoy the most about working at Mid Yorks?

What I enjoy most about working at Mid Yorks is the support and opportunities for development. I’ve felt encouraged throughout my progression from the developmental role into band 6, and I’ve been able to learn from experienced and supportive colleagues along the way.

I also enjoy the sense of teamwork within the Trust. Acute care can be busy and challenging, but there is a real sense of collaboration and shared focus on patient care. The variety of clinical experiences has also helped me grow professionally and kept the role interesting and rewarding.