Switchboard Operator

Job overview

Part-time Switchboard Operator, Westmorland General Hospital

We are looking to recruit a part-time member of staff to join a small and friendly team providing switchboard services for Westmorland General Hospital, Furness General Hospital and the Royal Lancaster Infirmary. The switchboard, based at Westmorland General Hospital is a 24hour service provided over 7 days a week.

Average weekly hours will be 20. Shift hours will be fixed and provided in advance.  Typically between the hours of 8am and 9.30pm, Monday to Friday. You will also be required to assist with cover for absences which in general will be planned.

Main duties of the job

Respond and deal with incoming telephone calls including, dealing with emergencies, various alarms including fire, blood fridges, medical gas and lift alarms.

Use of the hospital bleep system to contact emergency clinical teams, doctors or other Trust personnel.

Maintain a  professional, calm and helpful manner.

Assist in keeping on-call information up to date.

Contact colleagues where short notice absence from switch is directly to the notified to switchboard.

Maintain records and book transport in accordance with Trust Procedures.

Assist with the Porter Allocating process when requested.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for all enquiries including internal and external callers.

• Support effective responses to emergencies, liaising with medical staff or Senior Managers on call.

• Assist in coordinating responses to emergency crash calls (i.e. adult and paediatric arrest, fire, major incidents) covering all hospital sites.

• Follow procedures for on-call arrangements for UHMBT and other NHS organisations.

• Demonstrate sensitivity, calmness, compassion and empathy to patients, visitors or staff who may be anxious or angry.

• Liaise with Estates and I3 staff when faults occur with key equipment.

• Arrange for and provide cover for sickness out of hours or in the absence of the Assistant Facilities (Switchboard) Manager. This entails contacting colleagues from a central staff list for availability at short notice.

• Receive and make bookings for ad hoc transport (taxis, Blood Bikers, ad hoc transport services) using the most cost-effective service available.

• Provide an access/ egress service, carrying out identity checks, for the WGH main hospital site overnight through either the main front hospital door or via the rear staff entrance, supporting the safety and security of the hospital and all persons present.

• Monitor the security cameras in Switchboard and if felt necessary or requested by others (i.e. Urgent Treatment Centre), contacting the Police.

• The post holder will be required to undertake all relevant training with current or new systems during their Probationary training period (6 months).