Radio Ysbyty

Glan Clwyd

Hospital Radio

 

Welcome to the Glan Clwyd Hospital Radio web site. We are a group of 45 volunteers providing entertainment to the patients, visitors and staff 24 hours a day 7, days a week. So how did it all start?

 

Back in 1976, a small group of volunteers got together and produced various radio  shows at The Royal Alexandra Hospital in Rhyl. In 1981, eight miles down the road, a much larger general hospital opened called Glan Clwyd Hospital so the radio station decided to move location, right up to today, it is still going strong.

 

So how can people listen to us? Back in the 80’s it was a set of headphones by the bed, but by 1998 it was only recived by about 30% of the hospital. The committee came up with various ideas and it was decided that it would be great to transmit on an AM frequency.

 

To go on an AM frequency, it would cost us £20,000 and it would take 4 years to raise this ammount. Once the project was launched, the volunteers worked very hard and only took 12 months to reach the target. We got sponsored by Lloyds TSB in order to purchase pre tuned target tuners for the patient to have freedom and listen to the radio around the hospital.

 

We held an open day to launch the new service, and had many guests including Alan Pugh MP, Chris Ruane MP, Denise Idris Jones AM and Ann Jones AM. We still get their kind support now and they often visit and join in with of our programmes.

 

How does the system work? There are around 38 hours of live shows per week and when there is no programme on air there is non stop music played and news on the hour, every hour direct from Independent Radio News in London . The radio covers various departments such as the canteen, hair dressers and operating theatres where they have got no access to the tuners and they can provide their own radio then tune to us on 1287am.

 

It very expensive to run the station and volunteers help with fund raising. We annually hold a Grand Raffle. Starting in March we sell the tickets in the foyer once a week through to the draw evening in October. Over the past years the prizes have included weekend for two in Paris , return journey on the Orient Express from Chester to York, £300 holiday vouchers and this year the top prize is £300 cash.

 

Our Outside Broadcast vehicle provides PA to various fates, country shows and even various marathons in the area. Why not have a look in our Outside Broadcast Calendar  page for more details on what and where we cover. The diary is there as well so you can see how popular it is, and you are more than welcome to visit us.