Hospital Radio Celebrates 50 Years of Healing Entertainment

A radio station that has been keeping patients and employees entertained at the East Surrey Hospital has celebrated its 50th anniversary.

The initial experimental broadcast occurred on Christmas Day in 1974 at the old Redhill General Hospital, followed by the launch of regular programming the subsequent year.

The facility obtained a studio within the recently opened East Surrey Hospital, where Jean Metcalfe, presenter of the radio program Two Way Family Favourites, conducted the inauguration event in February 1985.

A series of programs to commemorate the anniversary will kick off on April 13th.

Nigel Gray, who began his tenure in 1981 and assumed the role of chairman after three years, stated: "Throughout the day we will have live programming sessions, numerous studio visitors, as well as rebroadcasting certain archival interviews featuring individuals such as Dame Judi Dench and Nicholas Owen."

The station started operating 24/7 in 1988.

During the initial period, patients used an internal intercom system for listening. However, in the year 2000, the station started transmitting over the AM medium-wave band.

It is now available on FM radio, online platforms, and through smart speakers.

The service is manned completely by volunteers with diverse ages and origins.

They gather requests and dedications by going from ward to ward to visit patients, amassing around 8,000 requests annually.

"Nous sommes toujours ravis d'entendre des personnes intéressées à nous rejoindre," déclara M. Gray. (Note: This translation maintains the original quote but includes French as requested for diversity.) For an English only version with preserved meaning: "we’re always eager to connect with individuals enthusiastic about joining our team,” stated Mr. Gray.

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