BSc (Hons) Clinical Language Sciences – Speech and Language Therapy (2012)

PGCert The Assessment & Management of Adults with Dysphagia

PGCert The Management of Long Term Conditions

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Profile:

Gemma is a highly specialist Speech and Language Therapist with 12 years’ experience in working with adults with acquired communication and swallowing difficulties. Gemma has worked in acute and community settings within the NHS, third sector and in private practice.  

Gemma provides expert witness reports for adults with communication or swallowing difficulties (Dysphagia), commonly originating from neurological diagnoses.  

Gemma has considerable experience in supporting people with Aphasia following stroke or traumatic brain injury. Her work includes specialist assessment, report writing, forming and delivering therapy programmes and training carers or professionals in how to support people with communication and swallowing needs.

Gemma works as part of a multidisciplinary team and values interaction with other professionals within the team to optimise the support provided to her clients.  

Gemma has specialist skills, knowledge and interest in relation to the use of technology to support communication. This includes the use of therapy apps to improve Aphasia post stroke or brain injury or Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) methods to support conversation for adults with a range of neurological conditions.

Gemma previously held a clinical lead role within the NHS in which she was responsible for a complex caseload of patients with progressive neurological conditions such as Motor Neurone Disease and Parkinson’s. during this time, Gemma developed specialist skills around the Speech and Language Therapy role in terminal illness/end of life care. These skills involved supporting her patients to communicate their wishes via Advance Care Planning.

Gemma is committed to life-long learning and continuing professional development in all areas of her work. She regularly undertakes training to maintain her competency. This may include formal training offerings such as Adult Safeguarding or inter-professional opportunities such as Speech and Language Therapy Clinical Excellence Network memberships.

Gemma has good awareness of her strengths and importantly, areas for development. She carefully considers potential instructions to determine whether she has the appropriate knowledge and skills to carry out assessment to the required standard.  

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