By skyforbes 
Due to the stressful nature of the role, and the importance of the position in getting patient’s urgent care, NHS Call Handlers need to have a very particular and sustained set of skills. Below we’ve elaborated on some of these:
Patience. When a person is distressed or involved in a medical emergency, it’s fair to say that they won’t always be talking in a clear or sensible fashion, and it might be hard for them to follow simple instructions. This is where you need to be patient, calm and clear. Empathy plays a key part in this job – it’s essential to understand that people who are in pain or distressed aren’t necessarily going to be thinking clearly. If you show impatience, then you’ll only stress said people out further, worsening the situation.
Handling Pressure. Make no mistake, this is a high-pressure role. You will be placed under enormous amounts of stress, and therefore it’s imperative that you are able to handle this and deal with it in a way that doesn’t detract from your level of service. The NHS are looking for candidates who do not become overwhelmed in high pressure situations, and who can demonstrate an ability to work well within these circumstances.
Accuracy. Accuracy is absolutely essential. You need to be someone who can process facts, fast, and log them in an efficient and accurate manner. Inaccuracies in information when working as an NHS Call Handler can cost lives. Furthermore, this is a job where things change and develop extremely quickly – in the time taken for one conversation a patient’s medical condition can deteriorate rapidly. So, it’s vital that you’ve got the right info to pass on to medical dispatch.
So, how can you use these skills, and this knowledge, to get the job? Well, the answer is all in the NHS Call Handler Interview!
