Who are you?
Juhi Akhlacci
Summarise your role.
My role in the trust is to support patients with swallowing and communication difficulties on the adult medical wards. I carry out swallowing and communication assessments and therapy, support instrumental assessments such as videofluoroscopy (a video x-ray of swallowing) or fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (viewing the swallow using a nasoenoscope) and use my findings to support decisions around longer term feeding plans and communication strategies.
What do you find rewarding?
I find it rewarding when a patient can start to enjoy food or drink again, especially if they have been 'nil by mouth' for a period of time. I also enjoy supporting patients to develop communication skills they may have lost due to illness or disease and/or provide them with other means of communicating with their loved ones.
What do you find challenging about your role?
It can be challenging when a patient’s swallowing is so impaired that we cannot make recommendations for safe eating and drinking. When contributing to multi-disciplinary decision-making regarding patients’ nutrition I prefer to offer a holistic, patient-centred approach.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Outside of work I enjoy travelling around the UK and the rest of the world, I enjoy a nice stroll on the beach, a trip to the theatre, a meal out, and time with family and friends. Though I am not the most competitive, I am always up for a board games and takeaway night in!