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Heartbeat: New era for hospital radio

October 16, 2019

The list of famous names who started their careers in hospital radio is long and illustrious, including Philip Schofield, Scot Mills and Chris Moyles, amongst others, and new station manager for our own hospital radio station – Suzie Box – wonders if one day a new name will be made courtesy of Radio SWB.

The station has recently undergone a transformation under Suzie’s management with a refreshed line up of music and chat designed to bring joy to patients at their bedside.

Suzie explained: “We have a great vibe at the station, with new presenters keen to share their love of music with patients, and patients making requests to hear their special songs.

“We’re close to delivering on our plan to broadcast online, bringing our unique blend of music and chat to a wider audience, and ensure those patients who first heard us in their hospital bed can still listen when they go home.

“As well as entertainment, we see our role as contributing to pushing out vital messages to improve public health, and have an exciting diary of health related discussions planned to engage patients in making healthy choices. Alongside our two presenter studios we have a talk studio which can accommodate up to five guests in a lively discussion. This is a new departure for us, and we were delighted with our first event held on 11 September, which was a live streamed debate on ‘Speak Up’ day hosted by Director of Communications Ruth Wilkin.

“Working closely with the communications team we are very excited about the future, and would encourage anyone with an interest in helping us achieve our vision come forward and volunteer to work with us. There are many volunteer positions available, from managing our social media, to fundraising, radio presenting to marketing, we’ve also got a new buddy system which is proving popular.

“If you are interested in getting involved or would like a tour of the station please email me on suzie.box@nhs.net or call the radio station on 3244. We’re based in our own purpose-built building in the courtyard at Sandwell Hospital.”