Switchboard Operator | East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust

An opportunity has arisen for a full time Switchboard Operator based at Conquest Hospital. You will be joining a small, friendly team working on a busy switchboard, delivering a vital 24‑hour, 365‑day service for East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.

This role operates on a 5 week Rotating Shift Pattern.

The Switchboard is the first point of contact for the Trust. You will be required to confidently operate a computer‑based switchboard system, answering calls in a professional manner and managing enquiries from patients, relatives, visitors, and GPs, as well as handling all calls, bleeps, and pagers.

You will also be responsible for responding calmly and efficiently to a wide range of emergency calls, including cardiac arrests, trauma alerts, fire calls, and alarm systems, within a fast‑paced communications environment.

Full training will be provided for the successful candidate.

Where applicable, this post may attract unsocial hours payments in line with the Agenda for Change terms. Enhanced rates apply for weekday night shifts (8pm–6am), weekends, and bank holidays.

• Work as a telephonist, dealing with all incoming calls to the Switchboard.
• Switchboard operates on a 24hr pattern.

Operate the Multitone Bleep System (messaging and changing of devices)

• Operate the Critico/PageOne pager system.
• Deal with all digital alarms (medical gases, lifts etc) in a calm and efficient manner, following the necessary standard operating procedures.
• Deal with emergency calls (cardiac arrests, fire, traumas) in a calm and efficient manner, following the necessary standard operating procedures.
• Compile and update where necessary, the daily on call rota.
• Communicate to a high level and pass on information accurately to the Team Leaders and Manager, and handover any essential info to colleagues.
• Communicate with all services users.
• Ability to work on own, making your own decisions and deal with any situations that may occur.
• Ensure all departmental procedures are followed and ensure an accurate record of any task completed is kept.
• Work as part of a team.
• Good communicational skills are key.
• Experience in Excel, Word, email and possess good organisational and keyboard skills would be advantageous.

Annual Leave Entitlements

Under the current agenda for change system - First five years = 27 days + bank holidays (pro rata), Years 5-10 = 29 days + bank holidays (pro rata), Years 10+ = 33 days + bank holidays (pro rata).

A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to onsite nurseries. staff restaurants and accommodation.

In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Onsite parking is available from only £50 a year.

There has never been a better time to join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, submit your application today.

Statement on the Use of AI

We value the individuality that each candidate brings to the application process. While we understand that AI tools are widely available, we strongly discourage applicants from using AI-generated content when applying for jobs with us. We believe that your application should reflect your true skills, experiences, and motivations, which are best conveyed through your own words and unique perspective.

Using AI for your application may not accurately represent your knowledge, skills, and experience and may result in a disconnect between your qualifications and our assessment of your application.

We encourage applicants to take the time to thoughtfully complete their applications; by doing so, you allow us to better understand your true potential and ensure a fair and transparent evaluation of your application. Over reliance on AI-generated content may diminish your chance of success.

Please refer to the job description attached.

If you have any questions about this position please do not hesitate to contact us.

IMPORTANT

Due to the nature of this role, there is no permanent option for remote or home working. All duties must be carried out on site during core working hours.

This advert closes on Thursday 28 May 2026

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Disability Confident

About Disability Confident

A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.