While the world was enjoying the new phenomenon that was Abba with the release of “Waterloo” in 1974, singing along to “Shang-A-Lang” with the Rollers or “Don’t You Worry About a Thing” by Stevie Wonder, a group of dedicated volunteers in Norwich, was launching Hospital Radio for patients.
To this day, 50 incredible years later, three of the founder members along with other volunteers, are still visiting the wards, gathering song requests from patients and putting together a bespoke live broadcast show every weekday evening, bringing entertainment to our patients and a little bit of home.
“Volunteers’ contribution to our hospitals and how they support our patients, carers and families, is immense,” said Tom Spink, Chair of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals (NNUH).
“The Hospital Radio Norwich team of volunteers makes a huge difference to our patients, and they have my greatest respect and thanks.”
Founding member Bob Proudfoot’s first experience of music in a hospital, was at the age of five. He was wheeled into the operating theatre to have his tonsils removed to the sound of “Teddy Bears’ Picnic” which the staff played on a wind-up gramophone. It sowed the seeds of his passion for music and its power to provide a welcome distraction and to help patients’ wellbeing.
Along with fellow founders Irenee Batch and Mike Sarre, the team’s commitment and enthusiasm has helped them to make it through a variety of challenges over the years, including changing premises, doing their own fundraising, and training numerous volunteers to work with them as the popularity of their service for patients took off.
Serendipitously, Hospital Radio Norwich also brought Irenee and Bob together, and they married in 1978.
“The heart and soul of what we do is providing a patient visiting service, which also happens to broadcast,” said Irenee.
“We visit the wards every weekday, chat with patients and tell them about our service and talk about their favourite music, and you can see how this brings happiness and comfort. Not every patient has a visitor and people love chatting. I love speaking with patients – we all do – it’s the fundamental foundation of our service. To us, providing this service to patients is a privilege.”
“We have a huge digital and vinyl record collection,” said Bob, “and we can play just about anything that we’re asked for – it’s not often that we can’t find a song that a patient has requested!
“This Hospital Radio is my baby – I helped to set it up with the team and I’ve stayed with it as I see how important it is to our patients and it’s terrific to talk with them.”
In 2009, Hospital Radio Norwich’s service was recognised with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Equivalent to an MBE, the Award (now the King’s Award for Voluntary Service) is the highest Award given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and they are awarded for life.
Mike Sarre, another founding member and HRN’s Chair, is the team’s technical expert, and has kept the hospital radio’s studios, desks and recording equipment going for decades.
“We do all our own fundraising and this year we’re fortunate that the N&N Hospitals Charity donated to us a new digital desk through which all the music and shows are played and scheduled. This is amazing, and we are very grateful to the Charity for supporting our service and ensuring we can broadcast for many years to come.”
James Baker has been volunteering at HRN for 10 years. “I find it very rewarding, and I hear direct from patients every week how much they value the service,” said James.
“The HRN team all feel the same – we want to give something back, and providing the Hospital Radio service for patients is a labour of love.”
At NNUH’s Staff Awards in November the HRN team was presented with a Special Award to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
Sally Dyson, Voluntary Services Manager at NNUH said: “It’s absolutely unbelievable that this fantastic radio station has delivered 50 years’ service. They still have the founding members on the team and here they are 50 years later providing the same fantastic service.
“They are very skilled in radio broadcasting, but they are primarily a patient visiting service. The service they offer to patients is incredible.”
HRN programmes are scheduled 24/7 and there is also live commentary from Carrow Road on home match days.
“We’re very lucky to have this committed and talented group of volunteers here,” said Prof Lesley Dwyer, NNUH Chief Executive.
“The kindness they show through spending time talking with our patients and providing good cheer through music, are both priceless.
“I thank the whole team, and particularly the founding members who have made all of this possible.”
If you’d like to become an HRN volunteer, you can phone 01603 454585 or email [email protected]
HRN’s 50th anniversary is on 8 December.
To view a video about the work of Hospital Radio Norwich, visit https://youtu.be/ZwRbU2CyZ6o
