Home / Lifestyle / 60 Years On, Hospital Radio Still Beats Strong
60 Years On, Hospital Radio Still Beats Strong
11 Mar
Summary
- Volunteers broadcast nightly patient song requests.
- Malcolm Kirby, 75, received an MBE for his service.
- Station moved locations multiple times over decades.
For over six decades, hospital radio has been a beacon of comfort and entertainment for patients in Edinburgh. Red Dot Radio, operating nightly from the Western General Hospital, broadcasts a two-hour show featuring patient song requests and interactive quizzes.
Malcolm Kirby, 75, a dedicated volunteer, has been instrumental to the station since the late 1960s. He recently received an MBE for his long-standing commitment to hospital broadcasting. Kirby's role has evolved from technical engineering to ward visits and hosting shows.
The station has a rich history, having relocated multiple times, from Hanover Street to the old Royal Infirmary, then a portable cabin, and finally to its current home at the Western General. Despite technological advancements, hospital radio continues to thrive, with an audience as large as ever.
Patient interaction remains at the core of the service, with greeting cards from families illustrating the profound impact the music has had, especially during difficult times. Red Dot Radio ensures accessibility through bedside radios, television channels, and an online website, solidifying its relevance.
