Switchboard Operator

As a Switchboard Operator within our acute NHS trust (based at Wonford Hospital), you will provide an essential frontline communication service that supports the safe and effective running of the hospital. You will act as the first point of contact for patients, relatives, staff, and external organisations, handling a high volume of calls with professionalism, courtesy, and efficiency.
Working within a busy switchboard environment, you will be responsible for directing calls to the correct departments, responding to routine and urgent enquiries, and following established procedures for emergency and escalation calls. This includes supporting the activation of oncall rotas, major incident processes, and clinical alerts under the guidance of senior staff., For more detail about the main duties of this role, please see the job description section below. As a key member of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, you will be joining an exceptional team working together to help our patients to stay healthy, when they need it most., For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.
More detail about the role
We provide a 24/7,365 days a year service so you will need to have a flexible approach to working days, lates, nights, weekends and bank holidays.
Saturday pay midnight to midnight and weekday after 8pm and before 6pm - time plus 47%. Sundays and bank holidays midnight to midnight - time plus 83%
You will use a range of telephony and communication systems, timely call handling, and adherence to confidentiality and information governance standards. The role requires strong customerservice skills, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm and focused when working under pressure.
As a key part of the trusts frontline operations, you will contribute directly to the delivery of safe, effective, and compassionate care
Working Pattern: We currently work on a rota (75 hours) over 2 weeks. This role includes early, late, and night shifts as part of a 24/7 service. Staff are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from the hospital outside of standard public transport hours. Applicants should ensure they are able to reliably reach the site for shifts that may start before 07:00 or finish after 22:00. The trust provides welllit staff parking, secure cycle storage, and onsite security support, but does not offer funded transport for outofhours travel. This role does not support remote working.

Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford).
Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within peoples own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).
Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.
Its never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as youll help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey., As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.
This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there.
Looking after you is important to us.
We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.
If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.
You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
Salary is not the only financial benefit
You'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.
You will also have access to other benefits including:
National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
Car lease schemes.
The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
Cycle to work scheme
These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you. Job description, We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.
This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there.
Looking after you is important to us.
We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.
If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.
You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
Salary is not the only financial benefit
You'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.
You will also have access to other benefits including:
National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
Car lease schemes.
The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
Cycle to work scheme
These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.