‘ I joined hospital radio after seeing Jack and Victor do it on Still Game’
AGLASGOW hospital radio station is looking for request collectors to ‘ make a difference’ and help patients hear their favourite songs.
Southern Sound Hospital Radio is a Govan- based organisation of volunteers who have been broadcasting to patients for 50 years.
Now that the easing of restrictions means that they can visit the wards again, the team are on the lookout for more people to chat with the patients, hear their incredible stories and deliver their musical request.
Still Game fans may be familiar with the role, as Jack Jarvis and Victor McDade took on the task of being hospital DJs and sent Winston around the wards with a pad and pen in the episode ‘ Wireless’.
Community coordinator Fran Campbell, who also works as a request collector, said: “I joined Southern Sound as a request collector after seeing Jack and Victor do it on an episode of Still Game. It looked like the perfect volunteering role as I love music and wanted to help people.”
For Fran, one of the best parts of being a request collector is hearing life stories from people from all walks of life, as well as bringing a small bit of joy to their day when they hear their favourite tune playing on the radio.
She said: “I love seeing people’s faces light up when they start thinking of their favourite song.
“You also get to hear some great stories from the patients, like when the Beatles played in
Glasgow, but no- one could hear them as the girls were screaming so much.”
The radio is on- air 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and provides a social lifeline for patients who may not have any interaction that day apart from sharing their music choice with a radio volunteer.
Fran said: “Being a request collector is such a rewarding role.
“So many people don’t receive any visitors at the hospital, and
a friendly face can make all the difference.”
Southern Sound is looking for people to commit to a couple of hours a month with full training provided.
Fran added: “Everyone within Southern Sound is very welcoming and you can fit the role into a time that works for you.
“If you would like to hear more, please get in touch.”
If you want to be involved, please email fran. campbell@ southernsound. org. uk.