A hospital radio station is continuing to provide entertainment and information to patients and staff of local hospitals, with volunteers broadcasting from their own homes.
Bay Trust Radio has adapted their programmes and way of working as studios remain closed. A grant from Cumbria Community Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund will enable even more volunteers to work from home; including broadcasting programmes, recording interviews and completing administrative tasks. The grant will allow Bay Trust Radio to purchase additional laptops and microphones which will be loaned to volunteers who do not have their own equipment during the pandemic.
The station broadcasts a mix of music, entertainment and news as well as health and wellbeing information.
John Williamson, Station President, said: “We are extremely grateful to Cumbria Community Foundation for providing this funding to help our volunteers adapt and continue working without our studios or offices.
We would also like to thank the generosity of Triarom Computers in Windermere, who have donated some additional equipment for our volunteers – it really is appreciated and a wonderful gesture.
At a time where visiting hours have been suspended and social distancing measures are in place, radio has an important role to play in helping to improve people’s day – whether that is a patient inside hospital, staff taking a break during their shift, or local people who are staying at home and turning to radio for some company during the day.
The registered charity has been broadcasting since 1977 and can be heard in Westmorland General Hospital in Kendal, Royal Lancaster Infirmary and Blackpool Victoria Hospital through bedside units. The station can also be heard online through free apps and smart speakers.
A recent update now means that patients who are in other hospitals across the area can also stream the service for free using their own device on the Hospital’s Wi-fi service.
