Ward Visiting

Our volunteer ward visitors, young and more senior, come from all walks of life and, as well as an interest in music and the written word, share a common concern for those coping with the anxiety of being in hospital. Wards are visited on a rota basis, usually in the early evenings, so that nearly every ward throughout St. Richard’s is visited. Patients are invited to request a piece of music to be played later that same evening on our TLC -The Listeners Choice - request programmes.

Volunteers also visit, usually once a week, to ensure that copies of SMILE! and  our own radio Times are delivered, and to check that the bedside radios are kept in good repair. All our ward visitors are properly trained, initially working alongside a more experienced CHR member. This ensures that they learn the correct etiquette and courtesies when liaising with the ward staff, and to help develop a level of understanding and empathy regarding the needs of the patient. Care is always taken not to be intrusive and at all times to respect the dignity and privacy of the patient.  

CHR's Commitment is to augment the healing process by spending time chatting with patients, ensuring that they know how they can access the various TV and radio stations via their handset, and, of course to make them aware of the very individual and personalized format of the St. Richard's Hospital radio service. 

It can be fun too.  Many a ward has resounded to the animated conversation of patient and ward visitor, discussing subjects of mutual interest, or sharing a chuckle as "Please release me" is again requested.  CHR has a library with in excess of 30,000 tracks on vinyl or CD which allows presenters to play everything from Bach to the Beatles, Mantovani to Madonna, as well as any number of spoken word recordings - H - H - Hancocks The Blood Donor, often being regularly requested.  The studio computer system further enhances the library with a further 2000 tracks and many recorded comedy, concert, feature and drama programmes.

Bill Barwell

WANTED !  WARD VISITORS

As part of our service we visit most patients during their stay in St. Richards Hospital.