Reception/Switchboard Operator

NHS; Farnham Road Heath; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization is seeking a friendly and reliable individual to join their Reception Team at Farnham Community Hospital. This role involves providing outstanding customer service as the first point of contact for patients and visitors. Responsibilities include answering calls, assisting with directions, and providing administrative support. Applicants should possess strong communication skills, a background in customer service, and basic IT competence. Full training will be provided, and flexible working hours are essential to meet operational needs.

Benefits

Training opportunities

Inclusive work environment

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills and a polite telephone manner.
• Effective administration and organizational skills.
• Customer care experience is essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide a welcoming experience to patients and visitors.
• Handle phone inquiries and direct calls appropriately.
• Maintain updated reference information like clinic schedules.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Customer service

IT proficiency

Education

GCSE education including English Language and Mathematics

Tools

Computer-based switchboard system

Job description

Join our welcoming front-of-house team at Farnham Community Hospital

Are you passionate about providing outstanding customer service and being the friendly face that patients and visitors first meet? We're looking for a professional, approachable, and reliable individual to join our Reception Team at Farnham Community Hospital.

As the first point of contact for patients, visitors, and staff, you'll play a key role in creating a warm and efficient front‑of‑house experience. You'll respond to enquiries in person and over the phone, assist with hospital directions and clinic information, and provide essential administrative support to keep our busy reception running smoothly.

You

Main duties of the job

• Provide a professional and courteous welcome to all patients, visitors, and staff.
• Answer internal and external telephone calls for Farnham, Frimley Park, and Wexham Park Hospitals, directing callers appropriately.
• Maintain up‑to‑date reference information such as clinic schedules, hospital maps, and contact directories.
• Support the switchboard team at Wexham Park Hospital by handling calls and paging requests.
• Log taxi bookings for staff in line with Trust policy.
• Assist with resolving queries and occasionally handling complaints in a calm and helpful manner.
• Undertake ad hoc administrative duties as required.
• Ensure reception cover 24/7, including weekends and bank holidays, working flexibly to support colleagues during annual leave or sickness.

About us

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is committed to being an inclusive and disability‑confident employer and has been awarded the Gold for the Armed Forces Employment Recognition Scheme. We provide first‑class development opportunities for all staff and have a wide range of professional, management and leadership, and clinical skills training available. We encourage applications from people who wish to work on a flexible basis and work with staff to meet their needs and the needs of our service and users.

Job responsibilities

Please see the job description and person specification for more information.

About you

• Has strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Enjoys working in a people‑focused role and delivering high standards of customer service.
• Can stay calm and professional under pressure.
• Is confident using IT systems and telephones.
• Can work flexibly as part of a supportive team.

Previous experience in a reception, customer service, or hospital environment would be an advantage, but full training will be provided. If you’re a motivated, customer‑focused individual looking to contribute to our welcoming and professional hospital environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Please note sponsorship is not provided for this role.

Person Specification

Education

• GCSE education including English Language and Mathematics

Experience

• Previous switchboard operator, receptionist, clerical or administration role
• Must be a people person who can deal with the general public face to face
• Effective administration and organisational skills.
• Customer care experience.

Skills and Knowledge

• Excellent communication skills, with a telephone manner that is both courteous and polite.
• Ability to use a computer‑based switchboard system.
• Competent in basic information technology.
• Knowledge of hospital computer systems.

Special Requirements

• Must be able to work a variety of shifts including weekends and bank holidays.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.