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Job summary

Main area
Switchboard Operator
Grade
Band 3
Contract
Permanent: 2 part-time vacancies, 22.8 & 22 hours.
Hours
Part time - 22 hours per week (22 hours per week based over a 5 week rota)
Job ref
387-TS7285-LMG
Employer
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Weston General Hospital
Town
Weston Super Mare
Salary
£25,760 - £27,476 pa pro rata
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
09/11/2026 23:59

Employer heading

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust logo

Switchboard Operator

Band 3

North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) have merged as of 1st July 2026 to become Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. This will create an exciting future that brings together the best of both organisations. As a single, strong and sustainable organisation, we will not only be able to deliver better outcomes for our patients and fairer care for our population, but it will also provide greater opportunities for our people.

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust recognise the value of a healthy work-life balance. When applying, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate flexible working, so your work life fits around your home life.

We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the Trust.

Our job adverts may close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Considering this, if you are interested in this role, please do apply as soon as you can.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) describes algorithms that can be used to produce new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos. It is developing all the time and is now being used as a support mechanism for all kinds of content-based creations. Please note the use of AI is monitored and if applicants have used it then they are required to declare this.


 

Job overview

Are you calm under pressure, customer-focused and looking for a role where every day makes a difference? Join our busy Switchboard Team at Weston General Hospital and become the vital first point of contact for patients, visitors, clinicians and colleagues across the Bristol NHS Group.

As a Switchboard Operator, you'll handle a high volume of calls, support emergency response procedures, operate paging and communication systems, and help ensure critical information reaches the right people at the right time. From assisting anxious callers to supporting emergency teams and maintaining essential contact information, no two days are the same.

We're looking for someone with excellent communication skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to stay focused in a fast-paced environment. Previous switchboard, call centre or customer service experience is desirable, along with confidence using IT systems and working as part of a supportive team.

In return, you'll receive full training, opportunities for development, and the chance to work with dedicated colleagues who play a critical role in supporting patient care and hospital operations. This role includes shift working, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

If you're reliable, adaptable and committed to delivering outstanding customer service, we'd love to hear from you.

Join us and help keep Weston General Hospital connected, responsive and caring, 24 hours a day.

 

Main duties of the job

Responsible for being the first point of contact for the hospital, for receiving and distributing calls from the public, GP's, internal callers, other hospitals and agencies etc. Calls can be connected to either an extension, exchange lines or to mobile staff via bleeps, mobile phones and radio pagers.

Use initiative and sensitivity when dealing with unpredictable situations including enquiries from anxious patients, patients with mental health problems, language and / or disability barriers, the media, complaints etc. Ensuing an appropriate and empathetic response to all.

To operate the switchboard consoles and bleep system to provide an efficient telephone service across the Trust.

To respond in accordance with  designated written procedures when dealing with emergency and non emergency requests including :

  • Adult Cardiac Arrest
  • Paediatric Cardiac Arrest
  • Mental health Psychiatric out of hours contacts
  • Fire Alarms
  • Medical Gas Alarms
  • Blood Bank alarms
  • Lift Failure / Entrapment Alarms
  • Major Haemorrhage
  • Pharmacy Alarms
  • Panic Alarms
  • intruder Alarms
  • Major Incident Procedures
  • Power Failures / Leaks
  • Media Enquiries
  • Switchboard Failures
  • Paging System Failure

Working for our organisation

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations, operating from three main sites at Southmead, Bristol city centre and Weston.  

With an annual turnover of £2.3 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone’s throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that the South West has to offer.  

 Bristol NHS Foundation Trust values all people as individuals. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application in order to ensure we’re meeting our pledge. 

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For a more detailed job description and main responsibilities, please refer to the job description document attached to this vacancy.

Person specification

Qualifications and Training

Essential criteria
  • Educated to GCSE Standard or equivalent in English and Mathematics.
  • Qualification in IT or proven use of IT packages in previous employment over a sustained period.
Desirable criteria
  • Customer Service NVQ.
  • Typing/word processing qualification.
  • Knowledge of Data Protection and Patient confidentiality issues.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential criteria
  • Previous Switchboard/Call Centre experience or Customer focused role.
  • Experience of working well within a Team Environment
  • Experience of working under pressure and managing a demanding workload.
Desirable criteria
  • Customer Care
  • NHS Experience.
  • Previous work within Emergency Services.
  • Shift Work Experience.

Skills and Abilities

Essential criteria
  • Excellent communication skills including confident/pleasant telephone manner.
  • Able to retain information and pass on accurately whilst working in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to deal with Emergency/Life or Death situations and prioritise responses accordingly.
  • Work autonomously.
Desirable criteria
  • Prepared to train/mentor others.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Trust IDDisability Confident - two yearsVeteran AwareApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyAge positiveCare quality commission - GoodMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Disability confident employerNHS Pastoral CareStep into healthMenopause Workplace PledgeDefence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) - GoldPride In Veterans

Applicant requirements

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Jane Hathaway
Job title
Switchboard Team Leader
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01934 636363
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