It was sad to learn this morning, that the Island’s hospital radio station, Sunshine Radio, may soon come to an end. Anyone who has stayed overnight or long term at the hospital will agree that the service is invaluable to patients at St Mary’s Hospital.
We hear from one of the stations presenters, Samantha Rickman, that due to the ever-growing cost of equipment upgrades and a fall in funds, the radio station has only enough money in the pot to keep them going for another eight months.
37 years young
Bet you didn’t realise that the hospital radio station it’s been in operation for a stunning 37 years, first broadcasting on the 2nd February 1972 and is still manned entirely by volunteers.
Pat Norris, Programme Controller said “The need to spend time in hospital can happen not only to ourselves but to our family and friends too. When it does happen, it can be a traumatic experience for the bravest of us, and one we have to face without the constant presence of our loved ones, just when we need them the most. Our Island hospital radio has tried to fill this gap by providing a vital therapeutic and caring service to our hospital patient listeners, helping them overcome the tensions and anxieties they naturally feel at such a time.
“Although away from relatives and friends, many patients have told us we have made them feel part of a hospital family. We hope very much that our fellow islanders will help us continue here at St Mary’s by supporting our fundraising events over the next three months.”
Friday night collection
A number of fund-raising events are being planned for the next few months including events planned for Halloween and Christmas, but kicks off with volunteers out and about tomorrow night around the Island hoping to raise much needed cash for the station with their collection buckets.
Presenter, Samantha Rickman said “I have been a presenter for Sunshine Radio for well over a year now, it gives me great satisfaction and is so rewarding. If we can make just one patient’s time in hospital a little bit easier then we are doing exactly what we hoped to. Being in hospital is a difficult time for everyone and patient’s can spend a lot of time on their own. Our free radio station gives an eclectic mix of programmes and music to cater to patients and bring a little sunshine to their bedside.”
Image: Fe Llya
