Switchboard Shift Operator

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) is inviting applications for the position of Switchboard Shift Operator. The closing date is 14 June 2026
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The Switchboard Shift Operator is the first point of contact for the telecommunication service of the Trust’s nine hospitals, providing an efficient, courteous, and professional 24/7 switchboard and information service to all staff and customers.

• Receive and distribute calls from the public, GP’s, internal callers, other hospitals, agencies, and emergency services.
• Connect callers to extensions, exchange lines, mobile staff via bleeps, mobile phones, and radio pagers.
• Use initiative and sensitivity to manage unpredictable situations, including anxious patients, mental health issues, language or disability barriers, media inquiries, and complaints.
• Operate the switchboard consoles and Bleep System to maintain an efficient telephone service across the Trust.
• Respond to emergency and non‑emergency requests following written procedures.
• Co‑ordinate approximately 400 daily rotas for hospital staff.

• Essential
  • Previous switchboard experience or a customer‑focused role.
  • Experience working well within a team.
  • Ability to work under pressure and manage a demanding workload.
  • Educated to GCSE standard or equivalent in Maths and English.
  • Qualification in IT or proven use of IT packages.
  • Knowledge of data protection and patient confidentiality issues.
• Desirable
  • Customer service NVQ or equivalent.
  • Experience in the NHS.
  • Shift work experience.

• Excellent communication skills, confident and pleasant telephone manner.
• Experience using a digital switchboard and multitone bleeps system.
• Good spelling skills.
• Prepared to train and mentor others.
• Ability to retain and pass on information accurately.
• Ability to prioritise responses to emergency/life‑or‑death situations.
• Works autonomously with good time‑keeping and reliability.

This appointment requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A criminal record certificate will be required for applicants who have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in any country in the last ten years.

Band: 3
Salary: £25,760 to £27,476 per year (unsociable hours enhancements)

Contract:

Permanent
Working pattern:
Full‑time

Location:

Bristol Royal Infirmary, Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS2 8HW
, United Kingdom