Hospital Radio Plymouth is one of only 12 stations in the UK to be awarded a special licence by the communications regulator, Ofcom.
The new ‘limited coverage’ licence is designed for organisations who want to broadcast within a limited area, such as hospitals or army barracks.
Although Hospital Radio Plymouth already had an FM licence, it wasn’t strong enough to reach all parts of Derriford Hospital and the Peninsula Medical School, so the charity was an ideal candidate for the new licence.
Station Manager Keith Jolley said:
“This licence is being issued to 12 organisations on a trial basis to see if the extended range is a viable option for more restricted radio licences in the future. Over the next 12 months, we’ll be working with Ofcom to report back on the success of our new FM frequency.
“As a charity, we’ve seen the impact radio can have on improving people’s wellbeing for over 50 years, so it’s exciting to be at the start of what could be a new phase of FM broadcasting.”
Hospital Radio Plymouth will now be broadcasting on 107.3FM, allowing it to be heard more clearly on FM across the hospital campus.
The station is now also broadcasting online via its website and app, allowing them to liaise with local residential homes and to connect others who may be feeling isolated with friends and family who can share the listening experience with them.
The multi-award winning station has a team of volunteers who visit patients in hospital, collect requests, put together programmes and make sure there is a friendly voice at the patient’s bedside 24/7.
To tune in, make a request or send a dedication, patients, staff, friend and family can contact the station at www.hospitalradioplymouth.org.uk, download the Hospital Radio Plymouth app or get in touch via social media, as well as tune into 107.3FM in and around the Derriford Hospital campus.