History of Chichester Hospital Radio

Hospital Radio came to St. Richard's Hospital, Chichester on Friday 22^nd September 1972, when a small studio, previously used as a storeroom, was officially opened by Chichester's then Member of Parliament, Christopher Chataway.

The aim of CHBA (Chichester Hospital Broadcasting Association) has always been to provide a ‘Local Radio Station' for the patients in hospital; to bring them up to date with local events and personalities and to play requests for records from relatives and friends.

The Association moved to its present studios next to the West Ward Block in 1975 following extensive conversion work on the building. This transformed it from a one room glass building, used as a pram store, into a large main studio with a smaller secondary studio and reception/library area. This new facility was officially opened by Leslie Crowther on May 24th 1976.

The Hospital League of Friends provided much of the financial support needed in the early years to furnish and equip the studios. Although they continue to assist, much of the money needed to run the service is raised through the efforts of the membership, and the generosity of local individuals and organizations. In 1984 it was decided to change the ‘On-Air Name' from Chichester Hospitals Broadcasting to Chichester Hospital Radio.

During 1999 our studios were computerised allowing pre-recorded material to be broadcast automatically without the need for anyone to be in the studios.

Our next major milestone was the launch in May 2000 of our medium wave radio service on 1431Khz which complimented our existing ward cable service on Channel 11 to create a 24 hour, seven day a week, hospital community radio service.

Throughout 2002 CHR celebrated it's 30th Anniversary with events and special broadcasts leading up to the big celebration day on 22nd September 2002.

Reception of CHR in many wards changed during 2005/6 with the introduction of the Hospicom bedside TV, radio and telephone service.

Looking to the future we plan to continue our policy of improvement and enhancement to the radio service. We have long been discussing the possibility of moving to new and larger premises and whether this is likely to happen may become clearer over the next year or so.

Our aim is to provide an ever better schedule of relaxing, informative and entertaining programming. We will continue to ensure that we can maintain, as funds allow, all radio broadcast and reception system equipment to a high standard and work with the hospital and Hospicom to ensure that our service can be heard throughout St Richard's.