Radio Hospitals Blackburn

Radio Hospitals Blackburn is a UK-based nonprofit hospital radio station dedicated to serving patients at The Royal Blackburn Hospital. Founded in 1954, the station operates as a registered charity (Charity Number: 703165) and provides a continuous broadcasting service tailored to aid the recovery and wellbeing of hospital patients as well as listeners convalescing at home in the Blackburn and surrounding East Lancashire area.

Mission and Operations

The primary objective of Radio Hospitals Blackburn is to relieve sickness, infirmity, and old age by delivering a local broadcasting service. The station targets the community within Blackburn, Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Ribble Valley, and nearby areas. Programming includes a mix of music and live shows, featuring unique content such as "The Bradshaws," a long-running radio serial created over 30 years ago by Buzz Hawkins, which airs twice daily. Broadcasting is continuous, operating 24/7 to cover all patient listening needs.

Funding and Support

Radio Hospitals Blackburn is a self-funded charity relying on a variety of income streams. The main source of funding comes from sponsorship by local businesses, who gain recognition through mentions on the station. Additional funding is raised via donations from the general public through collection tins placed around the borough and collection events organized by volunteers. The station also receives community support through online donations.

Community and Volunteer Involvement

The station is supported by a dedicated team of volunteers who manage programming, fundraising, and community engagement efforts. Listeners, patients, and their families can participate by making song requests or engaging with the station’s various offerings, ensuring a personalized and interactive listening experience.

Broadcasting and Reach

Radio Hospitals Blackburn broadcasts directly to the 550 beds of The Royal Blackburn Hospital and streams online, enabling patients recovering at home or elsewhere to access the service. This broadcasting model helps maintain a connection between patients and their community during hospital stays and convalescence.

Radio Hospitals Blackburn embodies the spirit of community service, combining entertainment and wellbeing support through dedicated hospital radio broadcasting for over six decades.

[1] https://www.rhbonline.org.uk [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=703165&subid=0 [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/703165/contact-information [4] https://www.rhbonline.org.uk/about.html [5] https://onlineradiobox.com/uk/hospitalsblackburn/