Switchboard Operator

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust; Shrewsbury; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust is seeking an experienced Switchboard professional to join the 24/7 hub. The role involves handling emergency calls, operating net call telephone and paging systems, and supporting urgent inquiries from staff and external organisations.

You will participate in a 24/7 rota and respond to critical incidents with composure. The ideal candidate will be able to stay calm under pressure, deliver outstanding patient care, and uphold the trust's values of

Responsibilities

• General call taking dealing with Emergency calls Rota watch relating to on call staff Swiss phone paging system.
• To operate a Net call telephone system without supervision.
• To operate the bleep system, issue and re-programme bleeps in the absence of the Supervisor.
• To assist with telephone enquiries from members of the Trust, general public, GP's, Hospitals and other organisations.
• General call taking dealing with Emergency calls Rota watch relating to on call staff Swiss Phone paging system.
• To take part in a rota system, covering 24-hours, 7 days per week.
• To be knowledgeable and fully competent of answering and following procedures for all emergency telephone calls/alarms, e.g., cardiac arrest, fire, helicopter landing trauma, paediatric emergencies and major incidents.
• To monitor all audible alarms and in the event of the alarms being activated inform the appropriate staff.

Job description

Job overview

Often referred to as the Hub of the Hospital, Switchboard is open 24-7, 52 weeks of the year.

Are you a skilled multitasker who can remain calm under pressure, whilst providing outstanding patient care? The post holder will be able to work under pressure, enjoy challenges and be flexible.

We're on a mission to provide high quality, safe care to our patients, in an environment our incredible staff are proud to work in.

Main duties of the job

• General call taking dealing with Emergency calls Rota watch relating to on call staff Swiss phone paging system.


• To operate a Net call telephone system without supervision.


• To operate the bleep system, issue and re-programme bleeps in the absence of the Supervisor.


• To assist with telephone enquiries from members of the Trust, general public, GP's, Hospitals and other organisations.


• General call taking dealing with Emergency calls Rota watch relating to on call staff Swiss Phone paging system.


• To take part in a rota system, covering 24-hours, 7 days per week.


• To be knowledgeable and fully competent of answering and following procedures for all emergency telephone calls/alarms, e.g., cardiac arrest, fire, helicopter landing trauma, paediatric emergencies and major incidents.


• To monitor all audible alarms and in the event of the alarms being activated inform the appropriate staff.

Working for your organisation

Our Poppy’s Promise Commitment

We believe that compassionate care sits at the heart of everything we do. Every member of our team — clinical or non-clinical — plays a vital role in ensuring that patients, families, and colleagues are treated with dignity, empathy, and respect at all times.

We expect all staff to demonstrate compassion not only through their words, but through their actions: by listening attentively, communicating clearly and kindly, and recognising individual needs, feelings, and circumstances of those in our care.

Effective communication is central to safe and high-quality healthcare. We value colleagues who take the time to understand others, explain information in a meaningful way, and respond to concerns with patience and understanding.

By joining our team, you are committing to uphold these values — ensuring that every patient feels heard, respected, and valued, and that compassion is embedded in every interaction, every day.