First Live Outside Broadcast by Hospital Radio Glamorgan
Hospital Radio Glamorgan passed a new milestone in its broadcasting history earlier
this year with the station’s first ever live outside transmission from the newly
built Teenage Cancer Trust ward in University Hospital Wales.
Radio Glamorgan member Jamie Pritchard who presented the show between 3-6pm on Friday
23rd January said, “Previously, when Radio Glamorgan wanted to cover an outside event,
we had to go around with a microphone and a recorder and then broadcast the output
later but, thanks to the kindness of a local Cardiff-based radio station who loaned
us their equipment, I was able to link up with another presenter who remained in
the radio studio to patch through the live broadcast. And so, for the first time,
patients throughout the hospital were able to share in the excitement as it happened.”
The borrowed OB equipment enabled Jamie to link up with the studio via an ISDN telephone
line which was then routed through the sound desk.
In between playing requests and dedications, Jamie was on-hand to interview several
of the people instrumental in raising the £3.3m necessary to build the new specialist
ward, which is nick-named the ‘Skypad’ because it can only be reached via a lift
and the ceilings are painted to look like clouds.
Simon Davies, Chief Executive of the Teenage Cancer Trust, told listeners: “We’re
really excited about this - it’s not like a hospital, it’s much closer to home. It’s
very vibrant, very colourful and it’s got some amazing features that teenagers are
going to really enjoy; but it’s still going to do the business in treating people
with cancer and making sure they get well.”
Davies added that, as far as he is aware, this is the first time any hospital radio
station has done a live broadcast from the opening of a TCT Ward and congratulated
Radio Glamorgan.
Andrew Jones, Radio Glamorgan’s programme controller said “We hope this will be the
first of many links between the radio station and patients in the Skypad.”
Radio Glamorgan’s Chairwoman, Clare Sinclair said, “Following the success of this
outside broadcast, Radio Glamorgan is hoping to raise funds to purchase its own state-of-the-art
outside broadcast equipment as it can be used for ward visits, concerts and coverage
of other major Cardiff events.”
The well-equipped Skypad has adjustable digital lighting at each bedside to match
the patient’s mood; individual heating and air-conditioning controls; and web access
where they can keep in touch with family and friends, or even download a film to
watch. Upstairs there is a socialising area where the teenagers can play pool or
snooker, watch a big screen TV, listen to music, or go into a quiet ‘chill-out’ room
if they feel the need. Doors opened for viewing on 23rd January and it will be receiving
its first patients sometime in the March after a clinical deep clean. The ‘Official’
opening will take place later in the year.
Interview with Simon Davies, Teenage Cancer trust Chief Executive:
Interview with Eiddwen Evans, Chair of TCT Wales Fundraising Committee:
