Changes to Scarborough Hospital Switchboard System     

Following the successful implementation of a virtual operator switchboard system at York Hospital in 2012, the system is being rolled out across Scarborough and Bridlington Hospitals.

The system works with the Trust’s internal telephone system to act as a virtual operator. The benefits to this system mean that calls will be answered quicker, enabling switchboard staff to spend time talking to callers who have more time-consuming queries, or with other important elements of their role. 

From Monday 16 March if you call the Scarborough Hospital number (01723 368111) or Bridlington Hospital number (01262 606666) you will no longer go through to the switchboard and will instead connect to the virtual operator system. 

You will be prompted to say the name of the person or department you wish to speak to.  The system recognises the name and confirms it before it starts to dial. To stop the number being dialled say ‘cancel’.

If you find that the name of the person or department you require is not recognised by the system after two attempts, it usually means that the name is not in the directory. You will then be transferred to the operator.

Malcolm Gresty, Facilities Project Manager at York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Following a successful implementation at York Hospital in 2012 we are pleased to be rolling out this system to our East Coast Hospitals.  

“The system was launched internally in January and we have been trialling it with some external calls.  

“We would welcome your feedback during its roll out – this is essential to make the system a success. Please email any feedback to

ContactPortalFeedback@york.nhs.uk.”

Above: The Switchboard Team in Scarborough prepare for the external roll out of the automated switchboard system which will allow the team to dedicate more time to complex calls and callers. 

11 March 2015