Switchboard Operator

Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust; Bath; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent NHS Trust in Bath is seeking a Switchboard Operator to manage internal and external calls, ensuring prompt, accurate communication. This integral role involves handling emergency responses, maintaining call records, and supporting operational flow across departments. Candidates should have prior experience in a busy environment, especially within the NHS, and demonstrate excellent customer service skills. Training will be provided to ensure proficiency in communication technologies.

Qualifications

• Experience in a busy NHS environment, particularly in switchboard operations.
• Ability to handle different tasks efficiently.
• Strong communication skills, especially during emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Operate the Trust's main switchboard efficiently.
• Handle emergency and crash calls promptly.
• Maintain confidentiality and data protection standards.
• Support communication links for operational flow.
• Participate in training for new systems.

Skills

Customer service skills

Calm under pressure

Emergency response coordination

Job description

Switchboard Operator

The closing date is 11 January 2026.

The Switchboard Operator plays a key role in supporting the Trust's communication infrastructure, ensuring that all internal and external calls are handled promptly, accurately, and professionally. This role is integral to maintaining safe and effective communication across all services, including responding to time‑critical emergency calls such as crash calls, major incidents, and EPR‑related alerts.

Main duties of the job

• Operate the Trust's main switchboard, ensuring all internal and external calls are handled efficiently, courteously, and accurately.
• Respond promptly to all emergency and crash calls, activating the appropriate emergency response procedures in line with Trust policy.
• Act as the first point of contact during major incidents or EPR‑related events, coordinating and escalating communication across departments as required.
• Monitor, interpret and act on alarm systems, lone‑worker check‑ins, and emergency alerts, escalating any concerns immediately.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure sensitive information is managed appropriately in accordance with Trust policy and Data Protection requirements.
• Support communication links between clinical teams, Estates, Facilities, and Security to enable effective operational flow and patient safety.
• Accurately maintain call records, incident logs, and directory updates to ensure all information is current and accessible.
• Provide calm, professional support to distressed callers, patients, and staff – demonstrating empathy and clarity even under pressure.
• Contribute to continuous improvement in switchboard processes, identifying opportunities to enhance service delivery and resilience.
• Participate in training and development to maintain knowledge of new systems, EPR integration, and communication technologies.

MULTI TASKING

• Previous roles handling different tasks
• Worked in a busy environment NHS

CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS

• NHS experience in switchboard

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.

Employer name

Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust

Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust