Overview
Non Emergency Patient Transport Dispatcher (NEPTS) — South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. Band 3 + Unsocial Hours Allowance | Full Time | Permanent. Closing date: 26 March 2026.
The role is to join the NEPTS Contact Centre as a PTS Dispatcher. This is a vital role ensuring patients are transported safely, punctually and with dignity to their healthcare appointments. You will work in a fast-paced environment where excellent communication, effective coordination and strong decision-making skills are essential. You will be the main point of contact for NEPTS operational staff, helping deliver a high-quality patient experience and supporting the smooth running of the service.
Main duties
Key Responsibilities:
* Prioritise, allocate and dispatch patient journeys to ensure appointment times are met.
* Use live mapping and patient transport systems to manage real-time patient activity and vehicle availability.
* Communicate clearly and professionally with NEPTS crews, call handlers, healthcare professionals, patients and relatives.
* Respond to changes in patient transport requirements and adjust resources accordingly.
* Support operational staff by providing accurate journey information and resolving issues such as delays or vehicle breakdowns.
* Monitor workloads throughout the shift and ensure crews have all planned work.
* Participate in audits, service improvement initiatives and team meetings.
* Uphold SCAS values and contribute to a positive, supportive Contact Centre culture.
About us / Benefits
Benefits we offer:
* Full training and a range of courses which you can book locally.
* Holiday entitlement of 27 days, rising to 29 days after 5 years of service and 33 days after 10 years of service, plus an additional 8 bank holidays (pro rata for part time).
* Automatic enrolment into the NHS Pension Scheme.
* Access to continual professional development within SCAS and the wider NHS.
* Occupational Health support and access to our Employee Assistance Programme and Health and Wellbeing Team.
* NHS Discounts in over 200 stores.
* Ability to join staff networking groups.
Onboarding & Training
Corporate Induction is provided to ensure a strong onboarding experience. For some roles, additional training may follow the induction. New starters attend a Corporate Induction in person, typically held over one and a half days at our educational centres in Newbury, Bicester or Whiteley. More details will be provided after start date confirmation.
*Please note - depending on your role additional training may be required following corporate induction.
Job responsibilities
About Us
South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust provides high-quality non-emergency patient transport across Hampshire and Milton Keynes. Our NEPTS Contact Centre coordinates journeys for hundreds of patients daily. Our values are Teamwork, Innovation, Professionalism and Caring.
What We Are Looking For:
We welcome applicants who can demonstrate:
* Excellent communication and customer service skills
* Confidence in handling multiple tasks and making effective decisions under pressure
* Strong IT, mapping and data handling skills
* Ability to work as part of a team and build positive relationships
* A commitment to providing a safe and high-quality patient transport service
Experience in dispatching, transport coordination or healthcare settings is desirable but full training will be provided.
- Job Title: Non Emergency Patient Transport Service Dispatcher
- Department: Patient Transport Services Contact Centre, Otterbourne Winchester
- Pay Band: Band 3 + Unsocial Hours Allowance (Agenda for Change)
- Hours: Full Time
Working pattern
Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service operates 365 days a year. Dispatchers work between 05:00 and 01:00, seven days per week, on a rolling 10-week rota. Shift lengths vary between 6 and 11.5 hours; the pattern is static and repeats every 10 weeks. Average weekly hours: 37.5.
Training / Start date
Training begins Monday 18 May 2026, classroom-based for 5 days from 08:00 to 16:00 at Southern House, Otterbourne Winchester, followed by a crew day and a day for eLearning, then observation shifts before joining the rolling rota.
Safeguarding, Values and Conduct
SCAS is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk. All staff must promote and uphold the Trust’s values and follow policies on equality, diversity, confidentiality, infection prevention and health and safety. A standard DBS check is required.
Qualifications and Training
* GCSE English / Maths and ICT or equivalent at grade 4 or above.
* NVQ 3 in Customer Service, or equivalent.
Knowledge and Experience
* Geographical knowledge of SCAS commercial areas.
* Experience of working in a busy office environment.
* Skilled use of Windows and Microsoft software (e.g., Word, Excel).
* Logistical background.
Skills and Aptitudes
* Ability to prioritise own workload.
* Ability to escalate problems / enquiries as necessary.
* Ability to work under own initiative and think constructively under pressure.
* Team player.
* Problem solving and decision making.
Disclosure
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires Disclosure via the DBS to check for any previous convictions.
South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Salary: £24,937 to £26,598 per year (pro rata)
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