Award-winning volunteer radio station in the heart of the hospital

6 June 2024

Run entirely by a team of committed volunteers, Hospital Radio Glamorgan has been named one of the top three hospital radio stations in the UK for a second consecutive year. The station broadcasts 24/7 from the heart of the University Hospital of Wales.

At the National Hospital Broadcasting Association Awards in April, Hospital Radio Glamorgan received the bronze award in the ‘Station of the Year’ category, with judges remarking, “the entry was full of warm, lovely moments – showcasing all that’s great about hospital radio.”

Chair of Hospital Radio Glamorgan Jamie Pritchard (pictured above) said: "This is an incredible achievement for the whole team and rewards the hard work that’s put into the station every week” 

Jamie has been volunteering with the radio station since he was 12 years old. 21 years later he is leading a team of around 40 volunteers who give their time to entertain and lift the spirits of patients, staff, and the wider community.

“I stayed here through my school years, through my university years, and in 2019 I became Chair of the organisation. I have never left! I love it, I really do!”

Being involved in hospital radio helped Jamie achieve his childhood dream of becoming a presenter on commercial radio stations across the country and presenting Traffic and Travel bulletins for the likes of BBC Radio Wales and Smooth Radio. “If it wasn’t for this wonderful station, I wouldn’t have had the skills to have that career.”

Despite his many years of service, Jamie can’t claim to be the longest-serving volunteer. The late Karlo King spent 41 years at Hospital Radio Glamorgan up until his passing in 2019, and former chair Simon Field has been volunteering for the station for 40 years and counting. Long-time Sunday evening presenter John Webber, who recently celebrated his 95th birthday, is one of another three volunteers who have been with the station for a quarter of a century.