Helen Rust, BA (Hons) Linguistics and Language Pathology, is a highly experienced Speech and Language Therapist with over 30 years of NHS expertise. A graduate of Reading University, Helen has dedicated her career to specializing in head and neck cancer rehabilitation. Since 2020, she has been providing independent Speech and Language Therapy services in Manchester.
Professional Journey
Helen’s career began in the early 1990s as part of the multidisciplinary Plastic Surgery team at Withington Hospital, Manchester. During this time, she worked with patients undergoing advanced cancer surgeries, including “commando” resections and reconstructions. These procedures often resulted in significant facial disfigurement and psychological challenges, which Helen addressed through her expertise in speech and swallowing rehabilitation.
Helen played a key role in the development of the North West region’s first multidisciplinary Allied Health Professional care pathway guidelines for Head and Neck Cancer and chaired the Special Interest Group in Head and Neck Cancer for Speech Therapists in Northern England from 2000 to 2002. She also served as the Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapist, supporting Maxillofacial, ENT, and Plastic Surgery teams in South Manchester.
Notable Achievements
- Improving Outcomes Guidance (2004): Helen was part of the expert panel that published the UK guidelines for Head and Neck Cancer.
- Christie NHS Foundation Trust (2005–2019): As Principal Speech and Language Therapist, Helen led and developed the service, implementing innovations that transformed local practice.
- Macmillan Innovation Project: Helen spearheaded a project introducing early preventative swallowing interventions during chemoradiotherapy, informing regional practice.
Teaching and Training
Helen has had an extensive teaching portfolio, sharing her knowledge with healthcare professionals across Manchester. Highlights include:
- Cancer Foundation lectures for nurses.
- Teaching and examining on advanced dysphagia courses for Speech and Language Therapists at Manchester Metropolitan University.
- Contributions to the Upper GI Imaging Masters module at Salford University.
Helen has also acted as a Clinical Simulation Facilitator and examiner for undergraduate Speech and Language Therapy students at the University of Manchester until 2024.
Additional Qualifications
In 2020, Helen completed Medicolegal Training for Expert Witnesses with Imperial College London, enabling her to provide expert witness services alongside her clinical practice.
International Collaboration
Supporting Speech Therapy Development with Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai
In 2020 Helen Rust extended her expertise beyond the UK, fostering a professional relationship with the Speech Therapy Department at Tata Hospital in Kolkata, India.
What clients say about this service
A high quality, caring Speech and language therapy service, which prepares clients pre-operatively and aids their recovery post-operatively, whilst providing practical support and empathy. Very responsive to questions and concerns. 100% respondents would be very likely to purchase this service again.
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