Hi Everyone,

Here we are in June, the last ten weeks have been surreal to say the least.

Sadly, we are all too aware of the world-wide impact Covid-19 has had on all of us, closer to home the lives of it has claimed here, in Harrogate. Some weeks ago, I interviewed Steve Russell, Chief Executive at Harrogate District Foundation Trust, and put questions to him relating to the virus and the impact it’s had here in Harrogate District Hospital.

Steve confirmed it has been a tough time for everyone, but they have and are pulling through it. I also took the opportunity to ask Steve about a replacement entertainment system for HDH, and he confirmed that due to the current situation, the project obviously had to go on hold. However, he assured me when things return to normal it will be a priority for HDFT, and HHR will be involved in the implementation, so watch this space.

HDH has seen less than 50 per cent of patients normally in the hospital, hence Harrogate Hospital Radio has had a massive decline in requests for our evening request shows. The decision was taken to ‘suspend’ the request shows in its normal format, however it was replaced by ‘Bright and Breezy’, still allowing requests to be played for patients, patients families and staff.

Last Monday, we saw the return of the Evening Request Show in its usual format, with a dedicated rota of presenters, broadcasting either from home or live from our studios. Anyone can request music, anytime at all, nd it will be played on the next live show.

Now, I would like to report some good news……….

Harrogate Hospital Radio monitors listening figures and I am delighted to report the following information:

For the total duration of 2019, HR had a total of 29,589 listening hours from the January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019.

From January 1, 2020 to May 25, HHR has currently had 23,243 listening hours.

UNBELIVABLE – THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR LIFTING OUR SPRITS WITH THESE FIGURES. It is fantastic to know we have such brilliant support.

Finally, during the pandemic, HHR has been actively working with the staff from the communications department, led by Planning, Business Development and Charity Manager, Sammy Lambert.

Sammy and her team have launched a fantastic ‘online’ raffle to help support local NHS service across the Harrogate District.

Harrogate Hospital Radio has donated a unique raffle prize. To find out more, click on the link below and enter the raffle for a chance to win.

https://hhcc.co.uk/shop/hhcc-online-spring-raffle/

Thank you as always to everyone (more than ever) for your support, from everyone here at Harrogate Hospital Radio.

Yours

Mark Oldfield

Chairman, Harrogate Hospital Radio