Harlow Hospital Radio

Harlow Hospital Radio has served patients and staff at Princess Alexandra Hospital since 1970. It began by relaying a hospital church service before expanding into records and presented entertainment. The charity now offers music throughout the day, with volunteers maintaining a service whose audience remains centred on the hospital in Harlow.

Requests give patients a say in what they hear, while a wide music collection supports different tastes and generations. The organisation also produces a patient magazine and has recorded pantomimes for hospital listeners. Its involvement in hospital fetes, quizzes, variety shows and community events extends the relationship between the radio team and its supporters.

Its early name was Radio Harlow, and founding members came from St Paul's church and the League of Friends. Registration as a charity followed in 1971, with three presenters and two technicians providing evening broadcasts. Weekend programmes were added in 1974, and a donated caravan later helped the team take its roadshow outside. The first fundraising duck race at Harlow Mill took place in 1986, one of several distinctive local events that helped support the station as it developed its hospital service.

Members contribute through presentation, request collecting, fundraising and outside events. Donations help sustain the station, and its team belongs to the Hospital Broadcasting Association. Online listening allows families and people beyond the wards to share programmes made for Princess Alexandra Hospital, keeping the bedside service connected with the wider Harlow community.