The country is in lock down, the type not seen for over 75 years and everyone is trying desperately to do their bit.
NHS staff are working flat out on the front line and performing miracles in the hardest of times, key workers are doing their bit for the country and the rest of us are trying our best to keep our spirits up and eagerly awaiting the daily figure of those lost to this terrible virus to come down to zero as quickly as possible.
One team connected with Torbay Hospital that are not currently allowed to travel are the amazing team of volunteers that run Torbay Hospital Radio, broadcasting to the staff, patients and when permitted, visitors 24 hours a day.
They have pulled together in recent weeks and managed to obtain equipment that will allow them to broadcast from home at personal expense.
This means that they are able to keep the families at Torbay Hospital comforted as best as possible in dark times, playing special songs and dedications to those that need it more than ever right now.
Slowly over the last few weeks, the team have managed to put in place a cloud based system to allow this “dial in” from home, have stress tested the system and adapted their communications with people onto their Facebook page and other social media.
Whilst this work has been going on and now live programs are being streamed into the hospital, other buildings around the campus and to patients and staff member’s families in the wider world through their website www.torbayhospitalradio.com and apps such as TuneIn.
The charity that has been going now since 1978 has seen its funding cut to near zero for this year as events that would generate income are cancelled. Whilst the government are doing all they can to help support individuals, businesses and charities, there are some that fall through the net and it is circumstances like this that can break a valuable asset for hospitals around the UK.
Lee Thomas, Station Chairman said “I am extremely proud of our team at Torbay Hospital Radio, how they have all pulled together to ensure we are still able to broadcast, when our services are needed more than ever during these difficult times. We are, as with many other businesses and charities across the UK facing very difficult times financially, so every single penny, however big or small – that can be donated towards our services will ensure we remain “on-air”.”
The charity have set up a funding page to help with being able to maintain the service they deliver, especially as the equipment is aged and in a position where it is cheaper to replace than to repair issues making the station stronger for the future.
Anyone wishing to donate to the charity can do so at www.justgiving.com/torbayhospitalradio and can find out more about the station or volunteer by going to their website www.torbayhospitalradio.com or via the station’s social media pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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