Switchboard Operator

Wrightington Wigan & Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 27 February 2026

We are seeking TWO part-time Telephonist (2 X 25 hours per week) to join our dedicated Switchboard Team, which plays a vital role in ensuring safe, responsive communication across the Trust. This is a 24‑hour service, and successful applicants will work rostered shifts with flexibility across day, night, and weekend periods. As a key point of contact for patients, staff, and emergency services, the Switchboard Team supports critical operations and contributes directly to patient safety and experience.

The post holders will be expected to work flexibly to maintain continuous service during peak times and periods of staff absence. Working days will follow a 4‑week rota pattern and will be discussed R 7 DAYS AND REQUIRED TO BE PART OF ON‑CALL ROTA 1 IN 6. We welcome applications from individuals who can demonstrate adaptability, reliability, and a commitment to supporting a round‑the‑clock service.

If you’d like to arrange a visit to meet our fantastic Switchboard Team and learn more about the role, please contact the recruiting manager to arrange a mutually convenient time. This vacancy is open to internal and external candidates.

Please note:

Applicants who have previously received feedback indicating they did not meet the essential criteria should only reapply if they can demonstrate how they have strengthened their application since that decision.

We are seeking a part‑time Telephonist to provide a comprehensive and confidential telephone service supporting the daily operations of the Hospital Trust. This role is central to delivering an efficient and responsive communications service to staff, patients, and external partners.

Applicants must have experience handling telephone queries and delivering high-quality responses to incoming calls from both internal and external sources. Experience in monitoring alarm signals, using bleep systems, and liaising with various departments is advantageous but not essential.

• A flexible and proactive attitude to working hours, including short‑notice cover for colleagues
• A professional and courteous telephone manner
• Desirable experience in a hospital switchboard setting, ideally within an acute care environment
• Basic IT skills, including familiarity with Windows‑based systems
• Confidence in monitoring alarms and responding to emergency situations

Our Switchboard Team operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Flexibility is essential to ensure service continuity, particularly during emergency scenarios. The postholder will also participate in the on‑call rota (1 in
6).

Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are the proud providers of acute hospital and community services to the people of the Wigan Borough and surrounding areas. At WWL, we value our staff believing that ‘happy staff, makes for happy patients’. We have a recognised track record in staff engagement and living our values.

People at the Heart

Listen and Involve

Kind and Respectful

ONE Team

WWL are committed to placing the patient at the heart of everything we do, and in the provision of safe, effective care that acknowledges and ensures dignity. We are seeking to recruit people who share our values and beliefs.

At WWL we value the benefits a rich and diverse workforce brings to our community and therefore welcome applications from all sections of society.

• Provide a comprehensive Telephone Operator Service to all Trust sites, including Directory Enquiries, across the full range of services for patients, staff and visitors.
• Receive and direct as appropriate all incoming and outgoing calls.
• Receive and accurately pass on messages between callers, other Operators and the Switchboard Supervisors.
• Monitor Alarm Systems requiring action to be initiated by the Operator in accordance with the instructions shown or indicated.
• Respond to any Emergency situation, including Cardiac Arrest, Fire Security, Flood and Major Incident as instructed.
• Reception type duties including dealing with enquiries…