Melissa Kuik @MK_SLT Twitter profile

Last Seen Profiles

@jnnry11

@Triin_101

@troyturman85

@stw_pdg

@HussainAlammar1

@Bdogmoore12

@Daniel666Andrad

@FreeGrass69

@GMarcelcvisser

@isaaborja

@Lightofsun45

@Yaz_Teller

@JoaquinR1115

@Helene9893

@olgunisterank

@ClaireClarkSLT

@MindyMMc

@oo___o_oo_o____

@zhaoox1

@mohamed1990m777

@ALIBAB555888

@ShaneMallon3

@joIROHAMOMO

@hildamarisolf

@suranam035

@bitcoinpepega

@birgitmonteiro

@Ralph66498596

@CAPYBARA_AI_2D

@sungenomics

@JTTcup

@TPM_Photo

@SlshimpeausO3y

@Larizzamatozz

@chibi_VYA

@joh07657

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

SLT career? Done. Made it into the Bulletin, not as an SLT but as a pumpkin. Retiring now. @RCSLT

6

1

107

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

SLTs. Need more of them.

3

12

88

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

Started to identify dysphagic patients (likely palliative and NBM) who would benefit from Biozoon to increase QoL. Hoping to try it this week! Anyone else for prescribing air with flavour? 🫧

9

4

49

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

First Biozoon experience with a patient today! He was as pleasantly surprised as I was when I tried it last week. Aiming to do this daily for comfort and pleasure, which he was happy about, 🫧🫧

2

1

36

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

11 months

Get a supervisor who can do both! 🧠🎃 Almost 6 months into my first Head+Neck Cancer role and thankful every day I can learn from this one. Wish we could do MDT meetings like this every week! @MoniqueHinds11 @RCSLT

4

0

33

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

My last day as a Band 5 SLT went a bit like this... Grateful for all the challenges thrown into my NQP rotational+split job. So much personal and professional growth in the past 9 months and feeling ready to step it up, 🤞🏽 South-->North here I come!

0

29

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

2 years ago it was a neurology exam in the first lockdown, 1 year ago it was an essay deadline with restrictions during the third lockdown and today it's working directly on the isolation ward as a qualified. Happy birthday to me! 🎉🎉

3

1

27

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

5 months in, managing patients with dysphagia independently in acute and community settings, NQP comps and dysphagia comps 99% complete and now prepping for final case presentation next month. Helllll yeah, 😎

0

28

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

3 more weeks as a band 5 then graduating to the band 6 life! Most excited about not having a split job! Least excited about finding my way around a new hospital, 😩

5

0

23

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

7 months

A year on from leaving my old job up North and still having nightmares of the racist team, the office, the wards. Been quiet in my anti racist journey as an SLT in the NHS since, just trying looking after myself and patients first.

3

0

26

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

3 years

Working in healthcare is ALWAYS busy, but taking time to reflect on how you're truly feeling and to be ok with it takes time! If you're also an overwhelmed NQP, feel free to ping me a message to offload! 🥴

0

23

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

I guess I'm proud of me for pushing through getting these done under the personal circumstances I started my job in. This can happen when you have great supervisors. Onto the next couple of goals, 💥

2

1

21

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

Racially charged interactions that I have experienced most frequently at work. I realise I'm name calling, but I'm angry. A thread... 🪡

1

6

20

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

Had my last full day as a band 5 on general acute! Tomorrow is split acute and stroke, then my last day on stroke on Thursday before leaving my first qualified job, 😭😭 so many thoughts and feelings!

2

0

19

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

3 years

First four dysphagia patients seen and managed independently, 👌🏽

1

0

19

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

V cute. But also want to amplify this article. "more acutely reminded of my 'otherness'" "in a racist society" "sick of this conversation being in whispers" "still have hope for a truly anti-racist profession" This gave me some hope back. Otherwise I will be a full time pumpkin.

Chloe Nkomo (she/her) 🌿

@ChloeNkomo

2 years

Arrived home from an overnight stay and long commute from placement and find my partner has framed my Bulletin article (plus one for my parents) 🥺🥺

5

3

161

2

0

14

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

Observed my first PEG surgery today for a patient I had reviewed in the community, who then became an inpatient and reviewed on the wards, had a videofluoroscopy, multiple NGTs, and SLT-lead oral trials. A wild ride.

1

0

16

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

Highly recommend this handbook about how to be an ally. It takes 30 minutes to read and validates so many of my feelings as a marginalised employee. If there is one thing you can do to support your marginalised colleagues/friends, just read this book.

1

0

12

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

It's my 1 year workversary! Yikes...

1

0

12

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

@J_LuddSLT Don't do anything SLT related. Enjoy the time, you won't have forgotten anything!

0

10

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

Please, this is so important to hear and understand. It is emotional labour, emotionally draining and something that 75% of my SLT colleagues will never endure or think twice about. My trauma is not for your learning. ‼️‼️

Rachael Moses

@NHSRachaelM

2 years

One thing we definitely haven’t got right & continue to get wrong in the NHS is the expectation of people to re-live their trauma & experiences of discrimination so we can “learn” from them with no recompense It needs to stop

11

41

187

0

11

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

I witnessed someone else's response to the "where are you from?" question. They said, "I come from my mother's womb." I will be testing that one out in the near future I'm sure. 🥹

0

10

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

Having a great time in the north and in my new job. It's great being on one service only. But heck do I miss the south, my old chaotic job that taught me so much, and my people at home. Very much homesick, 🤕

1

0

8

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

...watch documentaries, read books, listen to podcasts, have uncomfortable conversations with friends and call people out. Commit to fighting racism wherever you find it. The end. 😢

1

0

9

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

Completely and utterly disagree. Hard work is not always rewarded and if it is, it doesn't pay the bills.

ANAND SHARMA

@drandy2003

2 years

@DrOliBol Working in NHS requires a strong passion to serve people! It’s not a walk in the park! Hard work always gets rewarded! The pleasure you get from treating patients is something- you won’t get in any other job!

80

2

77

0

8

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

3 years

Documenting my journey as a NQSLT, maybe some EBP, but also aiming to create a platform to spread awareness about racial discrimination in healthcare, a place to chat about certain upsets and looking after mental health/practising mindfulness! ✌🏽

2

0

9

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

Please watch this. Ableism, racism and criticising systemic structures in university teaching and the linear medical model as well as ideas of how to move forward. SLTs have excellent skillsets and we can all learn from this talk.

Warda Farah

@WFarahslt

2 years

@EmilioLees & I have decided to make our talk public due to the overwhelming number of people requesting it. It will be available for the next 2 weeks (til 27th). Enjoy! "Why activism in Speech and Language Therapy is everyone's business".

22

60

188

0

3

8

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

How do people feel on a Sunday eve, thinking ahead of the working week coming up? Positive? Negative? Dread? Excitement? I feel exhaustion already at the thought of putting on my work personality, but so eager to learn and take on all the NHS pressure and smash through it. Ish.

0

6

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

Get me on that Head&Neck/ENT rotation now though. Gen med is cool, neuro ain't for me. Let me lip trill to my heart's content.

2

0

6

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

@SLT_LaurenS @RCSLT @ASLTIP_UK Horrible for newly qualifieds. Responsibilities pushed well past the limit of a band 5 and underpaid. Got a band 6 job after 6 months to justify it but no doubt will feel the same when I start. Seriously question if it's worth it.

0

6

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

I'm ✨t i r e d✨

1

0

6

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

What can my white peers do to help? Speak up, be actively anti racist. Simply being not racist is not enough. The burden of responding shouldn't and won't always be me...

1

3

6

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

1 year

Evidence based practice does not necessarily equal clinical practice. Huge challenge to face where many people believe prescribing thickener is apparently the answer to dysphagia/aspiration pneumonia.

Emma Flax

@emmaflaxSLT

1 year

1/ Re: @RCSLT statement on thickened fluids. This is purely anecdotal but within my community Neuro rehab experience, after explaining all the associated risks & benefits, the pt group who tend to still go for thickened fluids are patients w MND

2

1

28

0

6

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

Did a music degree to begin with... Hence having to do another degree after. Says it all.

Juliet Wood

@juleswood_

2 years

Please value the skills and expertise that musicians in healthcare can bring to your services @HPFT_NHS Disappointing to see this role for a musician advertised as voluntary

6

5

38

0

5

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

Why saying "I don't see colour" isn't enough. It does not acknowledge the frequent objectifying. It is not enough to say we are equals. It's dismissive. It's not anti racist. Don't be an idiot.

1

0

4

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

Oh dear. Along with my new certified RCSLT fees, this worries me. Also please email your members.

HCPC

@The_HCPC

2 years

We are consulting on proposed changes to our fees. Please follow the link for more information and to respond to the consultation via our survey:

64

165

62

0

1

4

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

Similarly, I'm fed up of being the 'band 5.' I find it so rude and lazy to be referred to as this when people already know my name. This hierarchical structure gets to some people's heads.

Jane Boardman

@JaneAnn22

3 years

When I'm referred to as 'the student' I always respond with my name. Here's hoping one day the message will be received that I have a name. 🤞

11

23

152

0

4

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

Another member of staff who I don't know walked past me and out of no where said, "You're Filipino" to which I said, "No I am not." He proceeded to ask, "What are you?" How can I professionally respond to twats like this? I HATE the feeling that people only see my non-whiteness.

2

0

3

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

Why is it wrong to tell someone they are shocked that you don't have an accent, or compliment their English? The idiot has assumed that because of my non-whiteness, I won't sound like a white person. I've been STEREOTYPED.

1

0

4

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

Why is it wrong to guess someone's race? This is again usually out of context, like it's a really fun game I have invited them to play. When I say "No..." to their guess it's then usually justified by the idiot...

1

0

4

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

7 months

Can't forget that 6 months later after holding my belongings they unexpectedly posted them back with my favourite work mug gifted from a previous supervisor ✨smashed✨ 🥲 worst team ever, worst Trust ever.

3

0

4

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

Lastly, why is it wrong to take the micky out of these interactions? Conscious or unconscious, microaggression in the form of casual racism is NOT funny. Saying it was a joke, that it was ironic, or that it was meant in a light hearted way is GASLIGHTING.

1

0

4

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

I am not sensitive. I am being made to feel differently because of the way I look, yet those I have confided in haven't even listened or have taken it seriously. Is anyone listening? It's not a nice feeling. I HATE the feeling that people only see my non-whiteness.

1

0

4

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

What does it take to do more than 'consider?' Extremely disappointing comment. If racism/discrimination/prejudice is unacceptable, then do more than just 'consider.' This should be a core part of any organisation. 🙄 *really big eye roll*

0

4

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

...because a relative's partner is of a likely ethnic background that I may share and I simply look like her. The idiot then apologises that they got it wrong because I am wearing a face mask and can't see my whole face...

1

0

3

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

1 year

This is something I've been trying to spread awareness about. Overt, aversive, non-verbal ways to make someone feel othered = ✨r a c i s m✨ All just as harmful.

1

0

2

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

I speak about this again because when I do, things are bad. Things are intolerable for me. Either due to a personal trigger, witnessing another unjust interaction, or in this case just the sheer frequency of these comments being made to my face! 6 in 1 week.

2

0

3

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

...Usually, my first answer won't satisfy the idiot. I don't look white so I can't possibly be from this country and bam I immediately feel like an OUTSIDER. The idiot then thinks they are entitled to keep asking, but really, they are the idiot.

1

0

3

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

@JenDysphagiaSLT @RCSLT Ensuring adequate staff:referral ratio to 1) See pts timely --> Less Dietetics refs. 2) Review/upgrade as an inpatient --> Less community refs. 3) More scope for ward education --> Less datixes/more appropriate refs. 4) Make current staff less stressed. 5) Number 4. Etc!

2

0

2

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

I have exactly no time for the "I'm sure they didn't mean it" ones

0

2

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

Tough game really isn't it? Apart from identifying a person, would anyone subdue a white person to this game??

1

0

3

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

3 years

Here are some things I've finally managed to do to help myself: ✅ Aiming to get 8 hours of sleep every night ✅ Gym straight after work ✅ Writing in a gratitude journal ✅ Professional help ✅ Sipping on ice cold water throughout the day to keep me awake

0

3

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

Why is it wrong to ask someone where they are REALLY from? Or, what are you? In my experience, these are initial interactions with people I don't know, so I question WHY they need to know given there is no context about who I am or my job...

1

0

3

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

The idiot then gets bothered that I haven't given a satisfactory answer, continues to ask why I am getting bothered by why they are asking. This is GASLIGHTING. I am exhausted from the conversation at this point.

1

0

3

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

3 years

Eczema sucks. Stress sucks. Stress induced eczema sucks. Being stressed about having eczema-y hands in a hospital environment sucks.

1

0

2

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

Has anyone tried EMST with a stroke survivor who is very close to baseline swallow and mild dysarthria exacerbated by respiratory overlay and fatigue? In the sub acute phase, young and ++motivated. Skill based and principles of neuroplasticity, worth a try? 🌬️

0

2

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

7 months

@SLT_LaurenS My worst nightmare came true. Took it to the chief exec and various other places but ultimately led to relocation and changing jobs. A year on I'm still a bit stuck on how to manage it, 🫥

0

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

@immyamyalpe Oh fab! I'm hoping that if we can get it rolling in acute, then I can nab one for community, 😁

0

2

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

@katemordey That would be super helpful, thank you! I've been locked in on ENT since the day I decided to pursue SLT but ofc need the neuro experience, I know I'll always need it, 🧠🧠 I find the brain so damn frustrating, 😂 probably just don't understand my own!!

0

2

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

*marginalised people (not BME/BAME). 🏔️🏔️🏔️🏔️

0

1

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

@KatLewis_SLT @NHSLeader @alisonleary1 @HelenBevan @mancunianmedic Acknowledge their hard work, band 5s are just as much on the front line as the seniors and are still developing. Anything to make someone feel valued within the team goes a long way. Offering debriefs, doing joint sessions, too!

0

2

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

Woo flavoured air! Thanks for sharing, 😊

Coileán Ó Laighin

@MRCPVL

2 years

@MK_SLT

1

2

15

0

2

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

Read it again. Then share it with your followers.

Jeff Chiu 趙晉熙

@JeffChiu_CH

2 years

📣 It's not enough to be not racist. Being anti-racist by trying to challenge micro-aggressions everywhere and every day, even when it's uncomfortable to do so (5/5) #mysltday #slt #slt2b #slp #slp2b #ahp #blm

0

1

6

0

2

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

@MarvoSP 100% wait if you can afford to! One will come and it will be worth it!

1

0

2

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

@NickyGilbody @katemordey @ErinSLTProbert @GilbertsonZoe @RHNuk @BiozoonUK @NM_SLT @NorthMidNHS Our team has had difficulty passing infection control but got the all clear and will report back! Keen to take it for a spin in both acute and community!

0

2

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

3 years

Booked 3 community patients in advance - one was admitted, one didn't show, one rescheduled... Ended up having to call other patients on a whim to see if they wanted me to pop round today! 😳 Such an opposite to my acute days!!

0

2

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

@MRCPVL I will be messaging you for step by step instructions on how to get to each ward every day for at least 2 months

0

1

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

7 months

@slt_afshan Always keeping on going, always focussed, thanks Afshan! 💪🏽

0

1

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

3 years

But fate had it so I would be hired in my local hospital! Allowing me to stay close by to care for family and myself! 5 weeks in and I'm seeing patients independently and getting stuck into dysphagia training... 🤓 2

0

1

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

Nothing more heart breaking than when your coffee curdles and it's too late to take it back to get a new one. A truly sad, sad feeling to the start of the working day today.

1

0

1

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

1 year

Can confirm with personal experiences. It hurts.

0

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

@phil_courteney Enjoy the journey! Glad to have you en route, 🤓

1

0

1

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

@KatLewis_SLT The more we talk about it and reflect the more awareness we spread about microaggression and hopefully spare more upset, 🤞🏽 once I calm down, I hope to continue these conversations in and out of work and encourage everyone to be active in fighting racism and discrimination!

0

1

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

Also used cervical auscultation as an adjunct in an initial swallow assessment today for the first time. Interested to hear if others find it helpful in their assessments and why. How would it change your recommendations?

1

0

1

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

@CharlotteC_SLT Happy 1 year workversary! Proud of you in every step of the way, 😍

1

0

1

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

@KatLewis_SLT Thank you for acknowledging this, Kat 🫶🏽

1

0

1

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

Solidarity with junior doctor strikes, 🫰🏽

0

1

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

Thank you for sharing, this is great to see. I'm in the process of making a 'comfort' box, like a mental health first aid kid. A mere distraction, but anything to keep me from dipping any further when I can't do anything anymore in that moment.

Lis

@Lisgetsreal

2 years

Bullet journal crisis plan: done ✅ Safety planning, knowing what to do when I'm in crisis and reminding myself I'm not a failure for struggling are so important to have accessible when I'm having a dip. #MentalHealthAwareness

19

23

380

0

1

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

@SLT_Ellen Look at you all profesh! So proud, 😍

1

0

1

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

@slt_afshan We had funding secured last year but delays in passing infection control! Fairly inexpensive (£36) on their site. We haven't advised patients to purchase but it's currently within SLT and the palliative care team to trial within acute!

2

0

1

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

Many people still struggle to understand that a space with racism feels like an extremely unsafe space. This is detrimental to many things - wellbeing, financial, sanity, mental and physical health. It's not as simple as *ignoring* it.

0

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

Dear fellow everyone

Dr Graham Lloyd-Jones

@DrGrahamLJ

2 years

Dear fellow doctors This is the mouth. Contrary to all our training it turns out it is part of the body after all. It’s a powerful immune organ. If you don’t look after it the health of the whole body suffers. #notjustacakehole #mouthcarematters #medtwitter

8

36

155

0

1

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

@charliebeacham4 @MRCPVL What am I coming into?! Looking forward to getting stuck in and meeting you too, 😁

0

1

Melissa Kuik

@MK_SLT

2 years

@jaclyn_dallas I agree with the poor evidence base. In my notes I simply commented on any changes in auscultation 'sound' pre and post oral trials and left it at that. It was the first time for me so I'm interested to see if other SLTs regularly use it!! 👩🏻‍⚕️

0

1