York Hospital Radio

York Hospital Radio is a voluntary service for patients, visitors and staff at York Hospital. Its continuous output combines music, information, news and friendly conversation, with an audience that also reaches people elsewhere in the city. DAB broadcasting on the York small-scale multiplex complements its hospital role, making the same service available across York and the surrounding area.

Outside broadcasts connect the station with places including York Theatre Royal, Joseph Rowntree Theatre and York Community Stadium. Its programme material also includes Goal Line and the YHR Meets podcast, adding sport and interviews to the entertainment offering. Requests for a patient or loved one bring personal messages into this broader collection of local programme activity.

Martha Tookey presents weekday breakfast, followed by Dennis McMahon's Step Back in Time, while Phil Bewers accompanies the afternoon. Emma Swainston's Decades Show and Steven Clark's Showtime on Sunday offer contrasting musical themes. Jan Husband's Sunny Side Up includes a contribution from the hospital chaplaincy team. The first broadcast, on 26 January 1964, was a taped request programme for Fulford Maternity and Naburn hospitals; live shows followed in 1967.

The station is staffed wholly by volunteers and funds itself through sponsorship and fundraising initiatives. People can become involved in broadcasting or supporting the organisation's work, with local partners contributing to its sustainability. The relationship between the hospital, York's cultural venues and the volunteer team gives the service a recognisable city identity rather than a solely bedside audience.