# Switchboard Operator > NHS job listing from Job Clerk for East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust. ## Canonical URLs - **HTML:** https://www.jobclerk.com/job/switchboard-operator/961aceac-98ac-4a72-ae84-29b8d8de27c3 - **Markdown:** https://www.jobclerk.com/job/switchboard-operator/961aceac-98ac-4a72-ae84-29b8d8de27c3.md ## Summary - **Status:** Live - **Employer:** East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust - **Town:** Blackburn - **Region:** North West - **Country:** England - **Profession:** Administrative and IT - **Grade:** Band 3 - **Salary:** £25,760 - £27,476 per annum, pro rata - **Contract type:** Permanent: Cross site working - **Employment type:** Part time - 35 hours per week (Cross site shift work) - **Closing date:** 2026-06-26T08:00:00.000Z - **Posted:** 2026-06-12T10:21:33.578Z - **Source information URL:** https://www.healthjobsuk.com/job/UK/Lancashire/Preston/East_Lancashire_Hospitals_NHS_Trust/Switchboard_Operator/Switchboard_Operator-v8067872 - **Application URL:** https://apps.trac.jobs/job-advert/8067872?ShowJobAdvert=&feedid=9002 - **Employer website:** https://www.elht.nhs.uk ## Job Content ### Job overview Previous applicants need not apply Some people are naturally gifted at listening and communicating effectively, and we’re looking for you. We are seeking confident, compassionate individuals to be the first point of contact for callers to our hospitals. With your caring and professional approach, you will ensure that patients, visitors and staff feel respected, supported and always valued. This is at the heart of what our team strives to achieve. If you enjoy working in a supportive, close knit team with shared goals, and are committed to delivering an excellent service, we would love to hear from you. Our Switchboard is the primary contact point for all incoming calls to the Trust. We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, resilient, and patient focused, able to remain calm under pressure while handling calls quickly and efficiently. You will need excellent communication and organisational skills, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Important Working Arrangements This is a flexible shift based role operating across Royal Preston Hospital and Chorley Hospital. - The service runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - You will be required to work a full range of shifts, including: Days Evenings Nights Weekends - Days - Evenings - Nights - Weekends - This role is cross site, so flexibility to work at both locations is essential - A high level of availability and adaptability is required, flexibility is a must for this position. ### Main duties of the job You will: - Operate the hospital’s computerised switchboard system - Use a large electronic telephone directory and bleep system - Monitor alarms and act as a first point of contact in emergency situations - Respond to urgent situations quickly, calmly and efficiently - Prioritise and manage multiple tasks simultaneously - Accurately retain and relay critical information under pressure Full training will be provided, but this role requires resilience, focus, and the ability to perform in a fast paced environment. Additional Information - This is a demanding but rewarding role, not suited to those uncomfortable working under pressure - Due to the nature of the role, previous applicants need not apply ### Detailed job description and main responsibilities To read more information about the advertised role, and the main job duties/responsibilities please open the Job Description and Person Specification located under the supporting documents heading. ## Job Details Previous applicants need not apply Some people are naturally gifted at listening and communicating effectively, and we’re looking for you. We are seeking confident, compassionate individuals to be the first point of contact for callers to our hospitals. With your caring and professional approach, you will ensure that patients, visitors and staff feel respected, supported and always valued. This is at the heart of what our team strives to achieve. If you enjoy working in a supportive, close knit team with shared goals, and are committed to delivering an excellent service, we would love to hear from you. Our Switchboard is the primary contact point for all incoming calls to the Trust. We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, resilient, and patient focused, able to remain calm under pressure while handling calls quickly and efficiently. You will need excellent communication and organisational skills, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Important Working Arrangements This is a flexible shift based role operating across Royal Preston Hospital and Chorley Hospital. The service runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week You will be required to work a full range of shifts, including: Days Evenings Nights Weekends Days Evenings Nights Weekends This role is cross site, so flexibility to work at both locations is essential A high level of availability and adaptability is required, flexibility is a must for this position. ## Job Description You will: Operate the hospital’s computerised switchboard system Use a large electronic telephone directory and bleep system Monitor alarms and act as a first point of contact in emergency situations Respond to urgent situations quickly, calmly and efficiently Prioritise and manage multiple tasks simultaneously Accurately retain and relay critical information under pressure Full training will be provided, but this role requires resilience, focus, and the ability to perform in a fast paced environment. Additional Information This is a demanding but rewarding role, not suited to those uncomfortable working under pressure Due to the nature of the role, previous applicants need not apply ## Responsibilities To read more information about the advertised role, and the main job duties/responsibilities please open the Job Description and Person Specification located under the supporting documents heading. ## Person Specification ### Qualifications **Essential** - Educated to GCSE Standard or equivalent experience. **Desirable** - ECDL or equivalent IT qualification. ### Knowledge and Experience **Essential** - Knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 including Teams and the ability to use email, internet and bespoke software. - Experience in dealing with the public and coping with difficult situations. - Experience of working on a Switchboard or Call Centre. - Experience in dealing with frustrated service users. **Desirable** - Experience of working in an NHS or similar environment. ## Documents - [switchboard operator person spec (pdf, 32.7kb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?vdoc=10359165) - [switchboard operator job description (pdf, 320.4kb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?vdoc=10359164) ## Agent Notes - This Markdown page is generated from the same Job Clerk job record as the HTML job detail page. - Use the canonical HTML URL for user-facing references. - Use the application URL when the user wants to apply on the source NHS site.