Bringing Music and Comfort to Patients
Every evening from 20:00 to 22:00, hospital radio broadcasts across Edinburgh come alive with patient song requests, hosted by a dedicated team of volunteers. The Red Dot Radio team, based at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh, strives to bring joy and comfort to patients seven days a week during what can be a challenging time.
At the heart of this service is Malcolm Kirby, who has been involved with the station for six decades and continues his work with unwavering commitment.
Malcolm Kirby’s Journey with Hospital Radio
Now 75 years old, Malcolm first became involved with hospital radio while studying electrical engineering at Heriot-Watt University in the late 1960s. His introduction came through the student television society, where he met a friend who was the station manager at Red Dot Radio.
"I joined the student television society and met a friend who was station manager back then at Red Dot Radio and the rest is history."
Over the years, the station has undergone several relocations. Initially based on Hanover Street, it later moved to the old Royal Infirmary near the clock tower, then to a portable cabin at the Royal Victoria Hospital. After the closure of that facility, the station found a home at the Western General Hospital.
"Back then we were based on Hanover Street but there have been a lot of changes over the years.
We moved to the old Royal Infirmary next to the clock tower, then we moved to a portable cabin at the Royal Victoria Hospital and when they closed that they found a space for us at the Western General Hospital."
Currently, Malcolm primarily manages technical aspects, including maintaining and upgrading the studios. However, he still dedicates time each week to visit wards and host a live show.
"Now I mostly do the technical stuff like building up the current studios we use but I still find time to go round the wards and host a show every week."
The patients remain central to the hospital radio’s mission, and it is the interaction with them that motivates Malcolm to continue his involvement.
Impact on Patients and Their Families
Within the studio, a wall is adorned with numerous greeting cards from families expressing gratitude for the positive impact the service had during their relatives’ final moments. These messages underscore the emotional support hospital radio provides.
"My mum spent a lot of time in hospital fighting cancer and you guys really kept her going.
Music was a huge thing for her and she passed away peacefully last night listening to your show with us by her side."
Daily Routine and Patient Engagement
Each show day begins with Malcolm and the team visiting hospital wards to collect song requests and inform patients about the service and how to tune in.
"The main purpose of visiting the wards is to let patients know the service exists and how they can tune in.
In the Western we are very lucky that the bedside radios still work very well but in newer wards we appear on the television as a channel.
But if neither works, people can also listen through our website online."
The team produces a two-hour show every night, which includes a live quiz that patients can participate in. Winners receive shortbread as a prize.
"We play anything on the request show - as long as there is no swearing.
There is always a huge mix - tonight for example we have everything from Fats Domino, to Bill Withers, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, the Stone Roses, Eagles and some Bjork as well,"
Hospital Radio’s Continued Relevance
When asked what might surprise people about hospital radio, Malcolm smiles and remarks on its enduring presence.
"That we still exist."
He reflects on the challenges posed by the rise of smart devices about 15 years ago, which he initially thought might render hospital radio obsolete. However, the audience remains as engaged as ever.
"I have been doing this for a long time.
When smart devices came around about 15 years ago I thought maybe our time is up, people might prefer to listen to their own things.
But honestly, now we have as big an audience as we ever have. The response we get from patients is that it is something to look forward to that cheers up their evening.
We get groups together which is special, tonight we had five ladies listening together who all chose a song and played along with the quiz.
It makes hospitals less lonely and brings people together."
Recognition and Future Plans
On Tuesday, Malcolm Kirby was awarded an MBE for his longstanding dedication to the hospital radio charity during a ceremony at Windsor Castle.
"It came as a total surprise to me - It's a real privilege being involved in a service that's entertained hospital patients for 60 years.
I don't plan to give up anytime soon. I want this celebration to be about the relevance of hospital radio today.
A lot of people think it has had its day and is done but it's just not true. We see first hand the difference it makes to patients.
Hospital radios across the UK need the infrastructure to keep this going."
