Tonight, I spent the evening with the team at Southend Hospital Radio to find out what goes into a typical evening’s programming. Here’s a summary of my findings after tonight’s visit.

First off, I should point out that in the last few weeks, I was appointed as the Chairman of Southend Hospital Radio. I’ve been a member of the station since way back in 1985 and have been serving on the committee for a few years now as the station’s IT Manager. As much of my work has been behind the scenes, it was great to have the opportunity to catch up with the Wednesday evening team to find out first-hand what happens on an average night.

As I arrived, the first show of the night was underway – 50s and 60s music with Simon James. Although the request show was still an hour and a half away, the team was on-site preparing to visit the wards for requests

On the wards

The two hour request show is the main focus of the evening’s activities, and I joined the team to collect requests from the various wards at Southend Hospital. The wards that we visit are controlled by our ward rota, and this evening, requests were collected from:

• Gordon Hopkins
• Sita Lumsden
• Eleanor Hobbs
• Blenheim
• Elizabeth Loury

Collecting requests this evening were Neil, Joan and Brenda, split into two teams. Back at the studio, the 70s Show was starting, presented by Dave Gold.

It’s been over twenty years since I’ve done any ward liaison, and it’s easy to forget what a hard job it can be. Many patients, quite understandably, are too poorly, busy, or sleepy, to want to talk or select a song for the request show. Several of the patients I met tonight had relatives with them, and some had DVD players and iPads, meaning that they didn’t require any entertainment in the form of radio.

On the wards, there are two main ways of listening to hospital radio in rooms where the facilities are available – via the Premier Bedside TV system (we’re on channel 8), or via the older system, which uses plastic tubes instead of more conventional headsets. Our team did a sterling job of showing interested patients how to use the systems, handing out free copies of our Smile magazine to potential listeners, and taking their requests for broadcast later in the evening. Sadly, not all of the patients are able to get our service for a number of reasons, and I can feel our team’s frustration at being unable to help a patient tune into us – remember, our service is free, whilst many of the entertainment services available require purchase of a top-up card.

The request show

Back at the studio, the requests are put together, and Neil and Brenda started the show just after 8pm. 16 requests were collected (a little below the average number), but a further 3 requests came in by phone as the evening progressed (we can be reached for free on 4500 from the Premier Bedside phone system).

Neil Monnery, presenting the Wednesday Night Request Show

A good mix of songs were requested, including old favourites such as My Way, Boney M and Abba. Monty Python’s “Always look on the bright side of life” was a particularly good choice from one patient.

It was great to see the Wednesday team in action, and to have a chat about the issues affecting the volunteers at the station, but more importantly, great to see the passion in doing the right thing… meeting the patients, and playing the music that makes their stay more bearable.

To members of the team reading this – you’re doing a great job, and I’m honoured to be a part of the team. To our listeners, I wish you a speedy recovery, and for everyone else, don’t forget to drop a few coins in our bucket next time our charity team are out-and-about fundraising.

Pete Sipple