SOUTHAMPTON Hospital Radio celebrated the official opening of its new modern studios and first broadcast from its new permanent home at Normand House.

Peter Hollins, chairman of University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust, cut the ribbon and took part in the first broadcast from the new facility which include two new broadcasting studios and a library.

The move to Normand House sees the station find a new home after two years broadcasting from a temporary structure in the grounds of Southampton General Hospital.

Run entirely by volunteers from Southampton Hospital Broadcasting Association, Southampton Hospital Radio has been broadcasting to Southampton General and Prince Anne Hospitals ‘continuously’ since October 1952, broadcasting 24 hours a day with shows covering all forms of modern music as well as providing live commentary on Saints games and Hampshire cricket matches.

Chairman of SHBA Steve Mullane said: “We put a temporary studio into place and we are proud that we did not lose a day of our broadcasts to patients during the months it took to build the two new broadcasting studios and library.

"We are very proud of all our members, who continued to provide a professional service while the work continued, and particularly of our engineering team under the leadership of Rob Arnold.”

SHBA’s lead engineer Rob Arnold was instrumental in upgrading the station’s equipment, building brand new systems, adding computer technology and going online that will allow the station to be closer to patients and provide the service that patients need.

“To be able to turn around to someone in a hospital and say this is the request you like we can have it playing in five minutes if you want is absolutely fantastic.”

The association is currently fundraising to help cover the costs of the move and is always keen to welcome new members to the association, so that they can continue to provide a quality service to patients as “happier patients – heal faster”.