Started my winter job last night working for the NHS as a "Urgent Care Service Receiver". Which basically is out of hours doctor service. I work in a call centre and basically just have to answer calls, get the patient details and enter them into the computer while asking a series of questions and that's it. These details are then assessed by a doctor who calls the patient back. Occasionally I will have to call for an ambulance for the patient which will be intersting, I also have people phone in saying someone has just died, fun times The area I work for covers the whole of Dorset and Somerset, luckily I've lived in this part of the country since 95 so I'm used to the accent so that should't be a problem!

I had training yesterday, basically learning how to use the software and then I listened to people taking calls so I could see how it was done, some really interesting calls although I'm obviously not allowed to reveal details about calls etc. but there were a lot of overconcerned mums and with it being winter a lot of flu basically.

What I found strange is about 90% of the people were calling on the behalf of someone else, I guess a lot of people just aren't comfortable with phoning up about themselves.

Due to the hours of the job it means the pay is fantastic (~£7.50 per hour on weekdays, + 20% of that so about £9 and £10.20 on Weekends + 40% I believe, so £14!) Will try and get a few shifts on Boxing day/new years etc. as the pay for that will be close to £20 an hour, maybe more if i work on christmas, well worth it, even if just for a few hours.

Have training again tonight and Thursday and have my first proper shift next Tuesday, although I could possibly work this weekend too.