INCENSED telephonists at Halton Hospital blasted health chiefs for moving their jobs to Warrington.

Transferring the switchboard in January, they fear, will hit patients.

"We were completely shellshocked," said one angry telephonist. "We provide an excellent service, with a better response time answering calls than Warrington, a better sickness record and a better record at not losing calls.

"We all know the area and have local knowledge."

Staff say they were categorically told they would have to re-apply for their jobs whilst health chiefs claim a decision is not being made until November 4.

"We are very resentful," said another telephonist. "We provide a vital link yet they've said there is no guarantee we will all get jobs."

The switchboard operators man phones round the clock for the hospital, the Brooker Centre and Victoria House.

Telephonists have vowed to oppose the move with support from Unison.

""We're not going without a fight," said one telephonist.

Sheila Samuels, director of human resources, said: "Staff have been kept fully informed every step of the way and should the board decide to move telephone switchboard services to one site, formal consultation will take place."