Switchboard moved out of Lisburn LVH

The Trust recently carried out a review of switchboard services across the Trust area and made the decision that services would now be based at the Ulster and Downshire Hospital sites.

According to the Trust, the move from Lagan Valley took place last week and six members of staff opted for voluntary redundancy. They gave assurances that there would be no further impact on switchboard staff but that the move would help to modernise and streamline the service.

A spokesperson for the Trust said: “A review of all major Switchboard Services was recently undertaken in the Trust and covered the switchboards in the Ulster Hospital, Lagan Valley Hospital and Downshire Hospital sites.

“The review indicated that the preferred arrangement for switchboard services was a two site model, based at the Downshire Hospital and the Ulster Hospital, with the Downshire Switchboard operating from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, and the Ulster Hospital Switchboard operating on a 24 x 7 x 365 basis. Through this process the Trust will both modernise, standardise and improve the current call handling procedures, and deliver an efficiency saving.”

She continued: “As part of the review, switchboard staff on all three sites were given the opportunity to apply for Voluntary Early Retirement or Voluntary Redundancy. Six staff opted for this and as a consequence there will be no further impact on switchboard staff associated with the reconfiguration of the switchboard service. This decision was undertaken with the full involvement of the switchboard staff and their trade union representatives.

“The proposed changes to the Switchboard Service which took place on 13 September 2011 will not be apparent to the general public calling the facilities serviced by the Trust switchboards,” she concluded.

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