Radio Skerne Darlington Hospital
“To try to alleviate the feeling of loneliness and isolation, often associated with a stay in hospital, by providing an interactive link between patients and the wider community through music, information and a friendly voice.”
Founded in 1984, Darlington Hospital Radio, now referred to as Radio Skerne, is a radio station broadcasted directly to the Darlington Memorial Hospital in County Durham. The purpose of the radio is to help make patients stay in the hospital a little less stressful and more relaxing. Music can make a big difference in the mood of a patient.
The radio is run entirely by unpaid volunteers who are dedicated to spreading joy through music throughout the hospital. The radio is broadcasted every week night from 8-10 p.m. and every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Patients are encouraged to call the radio studio with any song suggestions that they would like to hear. It is easy for patients to call the radio, as they can call directly from their rooms for free. Each day room has speakers for the patients to listen. When the show is on live, patients can hear music that they have requested in no time at all; the song will play a couple of minutes after their call.
When Radio Skerne is not broadcasting a live show, music is still being played through an automated system that brings patients a wide selection of hits. Music played at night is relaxing and mellow, while music played during the middle of the day is more upbeat.
Radio Skerne always welcomes new volunteers, though all volunteers must go through a rigorous training period to make sure they are equipped with the skills needed to go on air.
If you do not want to go on air, there might still be a place for you at Radio Skerne. Many volunteers are ‘request collectors’ who go through all six floors of Darlington hospital each week to find out exactly what the patients want to listen to. This makea the patients feel important and personally connected.
Created prior to 2011
