Hundreds of jobs on offer at NHS helpline in Glasgow

NHS 24 has launched a massive recruitment drive for call handlers for the 111 service as the country prepares for a possible second wave of Covid-19 combined with a spike in winter bugs.

A total of 400 posts are available working from contact centres in Glasgow - where most employees are based - and Edinburgh.

According to NHS 24 bosses, applicants do not require to have any medical knowledge as intensive training is given and must be available to start immediately and work shifts. The salary for a Band 2 worker is £18,600- £20,606.

Call Operators are required to ask scripted questions and collect and record patient responses but do not issue medical advice and are supervised by a clinician if a patient requires an urgent assessment.

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The advert states: “Working as a Call Operator, you will receive calls from patients who have or may be suffering from a pre-determined symptoms, some even with the symptoms of the coronavirus. 

“You will need to listen sensitively and communicate clearly and accurately. 

“Patients you speak to may be anxious or upset, and rely on you to instil confidence with your enthusiastic, focused and professional approach to every call.”

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Experts say human-to-human transmission of Covid could become more widespread in winter.

More people staying indoors, combined with drier, less ventilated rooms means the winter poses a clear risk of a second spike.

A spokeswoman for NHS  24 said: “Winter is usually a busy period for NHS 24’s 111 service and as part of the planning for the forthcoming winter additional staff are being recruited across both the East and West contact centres. 

“In addition to the increased capacity that this will enable, NHS 24 is also expanding its online service nhsinform.scot and offering alternative ways for people to get the information they need.”