Featuring Our Switchboard

Our Switchboard team is one of the first points of contact for anyone calling SAH. This small but mighty team of 10 Operators provides support and processes a very high volume of incoming and outgoing calls as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Did you know that Switchboard…

  • Is the first contact for all internal Emergency Codes and incoming Air Ornge helicopters
  • Receives all requests from staff to transport patients throughout the hospital then assigns the requests to Porters who take patients to the right location
  • Responds to all housekeeping requests and designates them to the appropriate cleaner
  • Assists staff in placing maintenance requests
  • Monitors all alarms including the fire alarm panel, specialty refrigerator temperatures, and specialized Building Automation System (BAS) alarms
  • Resets passwords after-hours for IT and handles callouts for other after-hours IT support
  • Handles paging for all doctors
  • Contacts the appropriate staff after hours, such as the emergency surgical team, for any emergency or urgent situation
  • Provides over-the-phone directions for those attending appointments at SAH
  • On average, directs 180 incoming calls per hour to the appropriate area (1,100 calls on a typical day shift all managed by two team members working at one time)

This knowledgeable team is available 24/7 to answer questions or connect you with the appropriate person/department though sometimes callers may be on hold while Switchboard Operators prioritize the initiation of and Emergency Code process in the building.

Tips when contacting SAH:

  • If you know the extension of the person you are trying to reach, please enter it followed by the # sign
  • If you have a question about an appointment, please have the name of the department or diagnostic test ready
  • Please know that Switchboard staff do not provide medical advice or direct your medical concerns. Health811 at 1-866-797-0000 is available to help with your medical questions.

We appreciate your kindness and patience as this team works to get you where you need to be!

Thank you to our amazing Switchboard team for their ongoing dedication and service excellence to our community.