Causeway Hospital Radio launches new smartphone app to enhance patient experience

Causeway Hospital Radio volunteers, back row, left – right, Mervyn McKay, Rodney Magee, Andy Cooper and Richard Brown, front row, left – right, Eleanor Acheson, Barbara Gray & Ita McErlain.

Causeway Hospital Radio has embraced the digital age with the launch of a new smartphone app, making it easier than ever for patients and their loved ones to stay connected during hospital stays.

The innovative app, now available for free on the App Store and Google Play, allows users to listen to daily broadcasts, send messages, request songs, and share shout-outs, bringing comfort and companionship to patients across the wards.

The Coleraine-based hospital radio service, which has been a vital source of entertainment and support for over two decades, is building on the success of Antrim Hospital Radio’s digital transition last year.

The new app marks a significant milestone for Causeway Hospital Radio, enhancing its ability to engage with patients and their families while maintaining the personal touch that has defined the service for years.

A new way to connect

Mervyn McKay and Rodney Magee pictured in the Causeway Hospital Radio studio.

The app offers a seamless platform for patients to interact with the station’s volunteers by submitting song requests, messages, and dedications directly to the studio.

Family members and friends can also use the app to send messages of support, creating a unique blend of music and personal interaction that uplifts patients during challenging times.

The service continues to rely on its dedicated team of volunteers, who visit wards to meet patients and staff, fostering a sense of community and connection.

Paula Marshall, the Northern Trust’s volunteer manager, highlighted the significance of this development:

“There is something very special about our hospital radio service, which has withstood so many changes and challenges throughout the years. Antrim Hospital Radio celebrated its move to the digital world last year and we’re delighted to be building on this success by bringing our broadcasts from Causeway Hospital online as well.”

Eleanor Acheson and Barbara Gray in the Causeway Hospital Radio studio.

She added:

“Our volunteers are very enthusiastic about the future. Their words and comforting presence are making a difference to our patients every day simply by reminding them they’re not alone. This is at the heart of what they do and now this engagement has been made even easier.

“Volunteers will still be going round the wards like they’ve always done but the app offers an extra world of possibility which we’re all very excited about.”

Volunteers at the heart of the service

Causeway Hospital Radio volunteers pictured at a volunteer celebration event, back row, left – right, Ita McErlain, Richard Brown, Mervyn McKay, Rodney Magee, Andy Cooper and Selwyn Laird, front row, left – right, Eleanor Acheson, Robert Campbell and Barbara Gray.

The app’s launch underscores the vital role of volunteers, who have long been the backbone of Causeway Hospital Radio.

Barbara Gray, a dedicated volunteer, shared her excitement about the new technology:

“I really enjoy working with our diverse team and meeting the patients and hospital staff. Volunteering keeps me up to date with new skills, including our new studio technology, and it is great to be broadcasting online now with the Causeway Hospital Radio app. We are also helping the patients to get used to this new development.”

She added:

“It really cheers patients to hear us play their requests. They get to know us as we visit the wards, and we get to know their favourite music.”

The app not only enhances the patient experience but also empowers volunteers to connect with their audience in new and meaningful ways.

How to access the app

The Causeway Hospital Radio app is free to download from the App Store and Google Play. Users can tune in to live broadcasts, check the broadcasting schedule, and send messages or song requests directly from their smartphones.

The app’s user-friendly interface ensures that patients, families, and supporters can easily engage with the service, whether they’re in the hospital or beyond.

This digital leap forward is set to strengthen the bond between the hospital radio service and its listeners, ensuring that the comforting presence of Causeway Hospital Radio continues to resonate across the Northern Trust’s wards.

A legacy of comfort and community

For over 20 years, Causeway Hospital Radio has been a beacon of hope and entertainment for patients, offering a mix of music, chat, and personal dedications.

The introduction of the app represents a new chapter in its proud history, blending tradition with innovation to meet the needs of a modern audience. As the service continues to evolve, its commitment to supporting patients and fostering community spirit remains unwavering.

To download the app and join the Causeway Hospital Radio community, search for “Causeway Hospital Radio” in the App Store or Google Play today.