If you thought hospital radio was just a few polite dedications and the odd easy-listening tune drifting down a ward corridor, think again. Swindon’s own Hospital Radio is rolling up its sleeves and preparing for a 12-hour broadcast marathon to celebrate its Diamond anniversary.
On Saturday 20th September, from 8am sharp, presenters will take to the airwaves with a live request show that runs right through until 8pm. The day promises wall-to-wall dedications, on-air quizzes and even the odd surprise guest dropping by to keep spirits lively.
Hospital Radio Swindon has been a familiar part of the town since 1955, entertaining patients long before most of us had even heard of the Great Western Hospital. What began with live football commentary eventually blossomed into a full radio service, and it remains one of the oldest hospital broadcasting groups in the country, tracing its roots as far back as 1938.
Dave Woods, the station’s Programme and Content Editor, hopes the community will embrace the event:
“We’d really like the town to get behind our all-day request show by tuning in and choosing the music. Families and friends of those in hospital or nursing homes are especially encouraged to take part – it’s a wonderful way to send a message of support.”
Now operating from a purpose-built studio on the second floor of the Great Western Hospital, the station is still entirely volunteer-run and self-funded. Chairman Arthur Perkin added:
“This year we celebrate 60 years of visiting and entertaining patients in Swindon’s hospitals. We wanted to mark it with something special, so we’ll be playing some of the most requested music from across the last six decades.”
Listeners can tune in via the hospital bedside entertainment system, online at hospitalradioswindon.org, or by simply asking Alexa to “Play Hospital Radio Swindon.” Requests can be sent ahead of the broadcast by emailing request@hospitalradioswindon.org with details of the song, artist and message. On the day itself, you can even pick up the phone and call Swindon 60 47 48.
As a registered charity with no public funding, the station also welcomes donations – even the price of a coffee helps keep the music playing.
So, whether you’re sending a shout-out to a loved one in hospital, reliving a favourite song, or just fancy being part of a 12-hour broadcast marathon, Hospital Radio Swindon is ready to keep the requests rolling and the airwaves buzzing.
