The Health Records Service has an exciting opportunity for some keen, enthusiastic staff members to join our busy Switchboard on a permanent basis. You will be expected to cover sickness, annual leave and vacancy shifts working days/nights and/or weekends, therefore, flexibility is expected.

This role requires excellent verbal communication skills with staff, patients and relatives on a range of matters, either face to face or by telephone.

Typical shift patterns include:-

6am - 2pm, 2pm - 10pm, 8am - 4pm, 10am - 6pm, 10pm - 6am (Nights)

You must possess excellent communication skills and be able to deal with situations as they arise in a professional manner. Previous switchboard experience would be advantageous although not essential as full training would be given.

The Switchboard Operator position performs a key and vital role in the smooth running of the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust telephony service providing a helpful and professional service for the public and staff.

The post holder will be a member of the Switchboard team, providing an efficient 24/7 telephony service to New Cross Hospital, West Park & Cannock Hospital and Community areas. Calls are handled through a digital board which is windows based and handling on average 100+ calls an hour, prioritising, answering, and co-ordinating emergencies ie cardiac arrests and critical alarms all whilst maintaining professionalism.

Main duties of the job

To respond promptly to a high volume of calls both internal and external for the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust and connect the caller with the correct recipient or department required in a timely compassionate, professional and courteous manner in line with the Trust values

Calls are answered via an electronic system from a central point based within New Cross Hospital.

To fully understand and be able to utilise all extensions and switchboard features in the efficient handling of calls and callers.

To receive and respond to all alarms promptly and accurately from the Critical Alarm System ensuring that the appropriate members of staff and authorities are contacted in accordance with procedures and respond with the necessary action, including but not limited to Medical Air/Gases, Pathology, Personal Attack, Intruder, Pharmacy, Boiler house and Obstetrics

To promptly respond to "2222" calls for emergencies including Cardiac Arrest, Flat Baby and Fire, accuracy is vital and will be life dependant. Sensitive information must be relayed quickly.

To understand and be fully conversant with all emergency procedures including Major Incident.

Operators must have excellent communications skills, speak clearly and be able to deal with calls in a professional manner.

To manage calls daily of a distressing and emotional nature, these can often include abusive callers, whilst always remaining calm and professional.

The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust is one of the largest NHS trusts in the West Midlands providing primary, acute and community services and we are incredibly proud of the diversity of both our staff and the communities we serve. We are building a workforce that can help us to fulfil our values, improve quality of care for patients, and solve the health care problems of tomorrow. We're passionate about the value that diversity of thinking and lived experience brings in enabling us to become a learning organisation and leader in delivering compassionate care for our patients.

We are delighted that we have been rated as "Good" by CQC. We have achievednumerous awards; The Nursing Times Best Diversity and Inclusion Practice and Best UK Employer of the Year for Nursing Staff in 2020.

The Trust is a supportive working environment committed to creating flexible working arrangements that suit your needs and as such will consider all requests from applicants who wish to work flexibly.