Having hosted the legendary Tony Blackburn and fellow presenter Richie Anderson as part of a BBC Radio 2 takeover earlier this week, Preston Hospital Radio are hoping to build on that platform to encourage more volunteers to present the show.
Radio 2 have been in Preston this week, ahead of three days of live music at Moor Park this weekend from the likes of Pet Shop Boys, Sting and Manic Street Preachers, and some of their presenters dropped into Royal Preston Hospital to the studio on Tuesday.
Stefanie Johnson, Trust Head of Recruitment & Volunteers, was live on air with Radio 2 Breakfast Show presenter, Scott Mills, who ‘loaned’ Anderson and Blackburn for special slots, reading out requests and dedications from patients and staff.
Having reflected on the day's success, Stefanie would love to use the national exposure to enhance the Hospital Radio Service at Chorley Hospital and Royal Preston Hospital.
“It was absolutely fantastic and gave us such a lift, because we’ve had a difficult few years.
“We do have a set of programmes we are broadcasting live from our studios, and we have recruited Hospital Radio Liaison Volunteers to go round the wards to get dedications from our patients to play live, but part of the growth plan is to get more presenters in.
“We need more diverse presenters, people from all ages and backgrounds, some new shows, and it would be great if we could attract sponsorship and help support the work we do and get some better kit.
“We have some work to do, but there was some interest and excitement on Tuesday. It put us on the map, and we want to use that as a platform and build on that!”
The way we listen to music has changed, but Stefanie added: “Research suggests music can help with patients’ recovery and wellbeing, and the team want to play their part. Even though you can listen online, we encourage people who are convalescing in bed to tune in. We want to get our Hospital Radio Liaison Volunteers out across both hospitals to encourage more people to listen to Chorley as well as Preston Hospital Radio, and get those requests coming in.
“We recorded the shows with Richie and Tony, and we will run them again so anyone who missed them can listen in. Tony was kind enough to record some jingles for us as well, which was great.”
If you were inspired by our guest presenters, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, we want you on our team. For details and how to apply, please click here.
You can listen live to Preston Hospital Radio on https://radio-live-uk.com/preston-hospital
or Chorley Hospital Radio on https://chrweb.org.uk/ and our patients can access Hospital Radio through the TV screens next to their beds.
