South East Coast Ambulance
Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) has launched a recruitment
drive to increase numbers at its NHS 111 operations centre in
Ashford, Kent.

The expansion programme sees job opportunities for both 111 Call
Handlers and Clinical Advisors at the Trust’s centre the town’s
Orbital Park.

Call handlers play a crucial role in patient care across the
region, answering telephone calls directly from members of the
public and health care professionals and directing callers to the
most suitable service to meet their need.

The work includes escalating certain patients to speak to a
Clinical Advisor, referring callers on to another appropriate
service or dispatching an ambulance in the case of an
emergency.

The role has recently received a pay increase to NHS Pay Band 3,
bringing it in line with that of a 999 call handler from 1 April.
Working within the same organisation as 999 staff, the potential
for opportunities to move across to work in a 999 centre may
arise.

The Clinical Advisor role attracts a Band 6 salary and is likely
to suit experienced HCPC/NMC registered paramedics and nurses
looking to develop their clinical practice in a new and fast-moving
environment.

The clinicians undertake clinical assessments with patients
using the NHS Pathways clinical triage system – the same system
used by SECAmb in its 999 Emergency Operations Centres. Successful
applicants will have access to a range of development opportunities
within the Trust.

SECAmb’s Head of Service at NHS 111, John O’Sullivan said:
“These positions are a great opportunity for local people to embark
on a new career or take a change in direction while developing an
exciting and rewarding career within the NHS.

“As a 24/7, all-year-round service, we’re looking for dedicated
and empathetic people who are passionate about helping others.

“NHS 111 plays a pivotal role in providing the public with the
help they need. A variety of shift patterns are available and I
would encourage anyone with an interest to take the time to find
out more and apply. It may be February, but there’s still time to
act on any new year’s resolutions!”

For more information on the roles follow the links below.

Clinical Advisor https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/xi/vacancy/?vac_ref=915437127

111 Call Handler https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/xi/vacancy/?vac_ref=915437546