Borders hospital radio set to air worldwide

The service currently only broadcasts internally to patients and staff in the Melrose hospital each evening between 7pm and 9pm.

Patients can request the music they want to hear or visitors can dedicate songs to their loved ones.

However, a new partnership will see the hospital radio available worldwide through Brick FM, which broadcasts digitally on 103FM.

Brick FM, run from St Boswell’s Rugby Club, has paired up with the hospital radio volunteers to take three show a week onto its network, allowing them to be listened to digitally anywhere in the world.

Head of broadcasting at Brick FM, Jesse Rae, said: “We are taking the internal system at the hospital and offering it out worldwide.

“This is for the community and especially the staff and workers at the Borders General Hospital. It will hopefully boost morale and offer a space for people outwith the hospital to tell them how much they are being through of.

“There are a lot of people working at the Borders General, and it is good for them to know that they are appreciated.”

The Sunday evening 7pm-8pm show with Kevin Sterrick; the Monday evening 7pm-8pm show with Colin Taylor; and the Friday evening 8pm-9pm show with Scott Young will all now be broadcast on Brick FM digitally each week.

“We are just starting with these three shows so far,” Jessie said.

“The presenters can dial in from the hospital to Brick FM and get anything on air, so it works as a two-way system between people in the hospital and relatives who may be far away.”

He added: “It is also an opportunity for relatives or people from outside the area to email or call in to pass on their well wishes.”

Jesse is currently working with students at Borders College offering broadcast training in the hope that a show specifically aimed at young people can be set up on the hospital radio.

Anyone interested in getting involved can contact Jesse by calling 01835 823503 or emailing him at [email protected]