Volunteers at Hospital Radio Plymouth (HRP) are keeping friends and families in contact while they cannot meet face to face.
Hospital Radio Plymouth has continued broadcasting throughout the coronavirus pandemic thanks to volunteers broadcasting from home and taking requests via email and social media – providing a way for patients and staff to connect with friends and family whether they listen on FM or online.
Since the beginning of the first lockdown, it’s estimated that over 1,500 requests have been played and there are no plans to stop now.
Station Manager Keith Jolley said: “We’ve been serving the community for over 50 years, so it seemed more important than ever to continue now, when the community needs us more than ever.”
Two thirds of the station’s presenters are back to hosting shows after setting up their own mini home studios.
While physical ward visits to patients aren’t allowed right now, nurse and volunteer Jane Gilliam has been spreading the word through the hospital, while volunteer Jo Carpenter is in contact with 9 residential homes in the city who listen in through donated smart speakers.
Kathleen, a member of staff at residential home Plymbridge House, said: “We’re overjoyed to have a link to residents while they’re in hospital, it really brings a sense of closeness between residents, their friends and family at a time when they are at risk of feeling alone.”
Anyone can listen to Hospital Radio Plymouth by either tuning in to 87.7FM around the Derriford Hospital area, or online through www.hospitalradioplymouth.org.uk and various apps.
If you’d like to make a request or ask for a dedication to someone you can’t visit right now, get in touch with Hospital Radio Plymouth by emailing [email protected], calling 01752 784300 or sending a message via Facebook or Twitter.