Switchboard Telephonist

Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust; Sefton; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in Sefton seeks a telephone operator to deliver efficient communication services. This role involves handling business calls, implementing emergency procedures, and supporting various users, including patients and staff. The position demands the ability to work varied shifts as a lone worker and use multiple systems for administration and communication. Strong collaboration with other teams is essential to ensure effective service delivery and achievement of organizational goals.

Responsibilities

• Handle general business calls and implement emergency procedures.
• Provide telecommunications service for patients and staff.
• Collaborate with teams to develop knowledge of wards and departments.

Job description

Job Overview

Principal role within a team to provide an efficient telephone operator service to the Trust and its users from a wide range of backgrounds. Responsibilities include handling general business calls, implementing Trust emergency procedures, and providing a front‑line telecommunications service for patients, business callers and staff at Mersey and West Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust.

Shift patterns vary and may cover evenings, weekends, nights and operate 24 hrs – 365 days a year. In out‑of‑hours situations the post holder works unsupervised, sometimes as a lone worker, and has support from the Trust’s on‑call management team for escalation.

The position requires use of several computerised systems and manual systems for the implementation and administration of departmental and Trust procedures. The post holder works closely with other teams to develop an extensive knowledge of all wards and departments, promoting effective communication to ensure the achievement of Trust objectives.

Achievements

• Rated Outstanding by CQC Inspection August 2018
• Top 100 places to work in the NHS (NHS Employers & Health Service Journal)
• National Preceptorship Accreditation (2023) for Nursing & AHP Preceptorship Programme