Back on Air: A Refreshing Return to Torbay Hospital Radio (2026)

Back on air at Torbay Hospital Radio after six weeks away

It was a refreshing return to the Torbay Hospital Radio studio for me after a six-week hiatus. This break was the longest I've taken in my eight years with the station, and it felt like a much-needed respite. My partner, Hugh, and I have been co-presenting on Monday afternoons for about five years, and I've also been on Tuesday nights. Additionally, I've held the roles of treasurer and trustee for the charity, which led me to cut back on my commitments. This break allowed me to recharge and approach my work with renewed energy.

Despite our small audience and limited resources, Torbay Hospital Radio strives for excellence. We aim to provide the best quality shows for our core audience, the patients on the wards, who often need a boost of morale. This dedication to quality means our presenters invest significant time in preparation. Since we lack a large production team, presenters typically write scripts, produce the show, and handle technical aspects like pushing buttons and sliding faders.

My time away from the studio was productive. I worked on creating new jingles, an essential part of our programming. By the time I returned, I had a wealth of ideas and content ready to go, enough for a two-hour co-presented show. This abundance of material will keep us busy for some time.

One highlight of my return was being nominated for a Hospital Radio Association award. While we didn't win, it was still a positive experience. Hugh and I are already looking forward to challenging for the award again next year. Our friends at Plymouth Hospital Radio took home the station award, a remarkable achievement. Like Torbay Hospital Radio, they are entirely volunteer-run, with no financial incentives. It's a testament to the dedication of these volunteers.

Our show features a variety of segments, including the 'Small Joys' segment, which celebrates the little pleasures in life, such as the garden gnome or sharpening a pencil. These segments are designed to bring a smile to our listeners' faces. Another key element is the music we play, which we carefully choose to complement the stories we relay. Each show is unique, with different presenters focusing on various themes or genres.

However, not everything went according to plan on our return show. We had planned an outside broadcast from Portsmouth's Mary Rose, complete with carefully crafted sound effects. Unfortunately, I loaded the wrong recording, resulting in the sound effects being absent. This mistake will require a re-run, but we're determined to make it right. Despite this setback, we're committed to delivering high-quality content.

Looking ahead, I'm on the hunt for new music to enhance our shows. A single song can significantly improve a long afternoon on the wards, especially for those who aren't there by choice. I'm also seeking ideas for the 'Small Joys' segment. If you have any suggestions, feel free to email me at paul.harding@torbayhospitalradio.com.

In conclusion, my return to Torbay Hospital Radio has been a refreshing and productive experience. We're dedicated to providing our listeners with engaging and uplifting content, and I'm excited to continue this journey with my talented team.