Hospital Radio Medway (HRM)
People: Improving people’s mental wellbeing
Medway Maritime Hospital has recently opened a 32-bed specialist unit for coronary/respiratory patients, and HRM would like to provide each bed with a radio for patients to listen to our programmes.
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About this cause
HRM was established over 50 years ago for the purpose of entertaining the patients, staff and visitors of Medway Maritime Hospital. For many people suddenly finding themselves in hospital is confusing and maybe frightening. We provide a diversion to take their minds off their ailments and pass some time, which often seems to drag in hospital. Every day our Ward Reps visit the patients and collect musical requests which are then returned to the studio to be played during our daily Request Programme, 8pm–10pm. HRM publicises local events and supports local charities by giving them a platform to make patients aware of what services they can offer.
How this cause brings people in the community together
Volunteers from HRM visit the wards daily chatting to patients. If anyone feels a bit blue we can raise their spirits by playing a significant track that can remind them of happier times – Our Tune. The radio also provides a link to the other people in the ward, whether patients, staff or visitors. It has been proved that music can lift your spirits, and the staff would agree that it also stops the patient from feeling bored. Sometimes patients come into hospital unexpectedly, and seeing a friendly face makes them feel included while they settle in. HRM is able to play a request from home to patient and in reverse. The other group of people who benefit from this service is our volunteers who come in every week and talk to the patients and get satisfaction from doing this.