Switchboard Telephonist

As the first point of contact for the telecommunication service for the Torbay & Newton Abbot Hospitals of the Trust, operators are responsible for providing an efficient switchboard/information service 24/7 to all staff and the General Public.

They carry out all responsibilities of the role in a pleasant, courteous, and professional manner at all times.

Operators will be required to use their own initiative when dealing with situations outside the parameters of procedures, with a professional conduct throughout.,

• To answer incoming calls in a courteous and timely manner and process accordingly (advise, provide information, re-direct call etc)


• To respond to internal emergency requests (e.g. violent incidents, cardiac arrest, trauma) and take appropriate actions


• Activating the Trust's Major Incident Procedures in appropriate circumstances


• Ensuring the correct procedures are followed and emergency services contacted in response to alarms activated in switchboard e.g. Intruder, Fire, Lift, Medical Gases, Attack Alarm, Boiler Alarm, Lone Workers


• Manage pager communications via the Trust's short and long-range paging systems


• Answer calls for the Facilities helpdesk out of normal hours and enter requests onto the relevant IT system


• Provide the Trust's patient enquiry service to members of the public out of hours