Causeway Hospital Radio celebrates 25 years of comforting patients

Causeway Hospital Radio is celebrating 25 years of bringing music, comfort and companionship to patients.

Volunteers past and present gathered to mark the service's silver anniversary, with a memorable performance from the Rock Choir, a visit from the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Dawn Huggins, and an opportunity to reflect on the difference the station has made over the years.

Since first going on air in October 2001, the station has become a valued part of hospital life, offering a unique kind of support for patients, visitors and staff.

For Barbara Gray and Rodney Magee, the anniversary has special significance as they both have been behind the mic from the very beginning.

While Rodney initially joined because of his passion for music, he soon realised the station offered much more than entertainment, bringing connection and joy throughout the hospital.

“Over the years you see the pleasure it brings to patients. The feedback we get is great and it does make a difference.

“The hospital staff and the nurses on the wards see a difference in the patients whenever they hear their name being mentioned on the radio,” he said.

For Barbara, the past 25 years have been a 'whirlwind' of change, with the service going from strength to strength.

“Our reason for being here is to entertain the patients and help get them through a bit of a tough time when they are not at home. Some of them really look forward to the show being on and they become regular listeners, especially if they are in for an extended period of time.

“We now have an app for your phone and we’re broadcasting like a normal radio station. We can get messages in from relatives when they can’t come to visit them on the wards, and I think that is terrific.”

Offering her congratulations to the service, Jacqui Reid, the Northern Trust’s Executive Director for Human Resources, Organisational Development and Corporate Communications, said: “For 25 years, Causeway Hospital Radio has brought comfort, connection and companionship to patients at a time when they may need it most.

“The dedication of our volunteers, both past and present, has made the station a valued part of hospital life. Through music, conversation and a friendly voice, they have helped brighten the days of countless patients and their families.

"As we celebrate this milestone, we would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the success of Causeway Hospital Radio over the past quarter of a century, and we look forward to seeing the service continue to thrive for many years to come.”

Far removed from the days of vinyl records, LPs and eight-track cartridges, both Antrim Hospital Radio and Causeway Hospital Radio can now be accessed via a free smartphone app or online, allowing listeners to tune in from hospital, home or anywhere in the world.

To download the free apps to your phone search for Antrim Hospital Radio or Causeway Hospital Radio in the App Store or Google Play where you can tune in, check the broadcasting schedule and send in messages and requests.

Could you be the next voice of hospital radio? Whether you're passionate about music, broadcasting or simply making a difference to patients, we would love to hear from you.

Email [email protected] to request further information.