At the end of June 1999 we were asked to attend a meeting at the board
room Heatherwood hse to receive a briefing from the trust and the only
item on the agenda was patient Line. We were asked to attend this
meeting with Wexham Radio as well as representatives from the league.
When we questioned the need for Wexham radio to be there the response
was quite clear that the trust did not want us to discuss the on-going
LPAM project.
The last newsletter of the year briefed to all our members how events
had taken their course and by this time, we knew the trust had
abandoned our project and it was all but dead. In addition the studio
would not remain in it's current location.
In this the last newsletter for 1999 we receive bombshell news about
our premises, low power AM on hold and a newsletter
which is a bit short of Christmas Cheer.
It gives us no pleasure to inform you all of the impending closure of
the current studio complex. Why ?
I thought I would update you on some rumours which we had heard about
some three years ago.
Our contacts with staff on the hospital had informed us on a couple of
occasions that the hospital had planned to move the radio station to
accommodate out-patients departments or A/E. Because of the work that
we had just completed when the new reception room was added, we
decided at the next league of friends meeting we would try and force
the hospitals hand at this and also see what the reaction was to our
statement. That if the hospital planned to move the radio studio we
would call it a day.
Having sown the seed in Hospital Reps mind. This didn't stem the
gossip we were getting.
In July last year when we wrote to the hospital about low power am it
was only after a further letter in September/October was the meeting
organised for last December to discuss low power AM.
At the meeting a request from hospital reps, “ how would we feel if
the radio studio had to move “?. Surprise surprise, we were at last to
be asked our feelings. In no uncertain terms we told them that any
move to new premises would be at the hospital’s cost and that they
would have to carry out all the work and that they should seriously
consider what this might mean.
We were told this was just a hypothetical scenario which might not
come off. But the plan the Hospital planner had, was already two years
on the drawing board. We said we would’t be happy with a move but if
the hospital decided this was the only route we would have to go along
with it.
In the interests of staff morale we decided that we would not disclose
the discussions at that time. Especially as they were un-decided. (
begs the question, was the meeting arranged to pay us lip service on
low power AM to sound us out on a possible move ? ).
The rumours have continued throughout this year these have been
confirmed with a visit by myself to the hospital to do a job for one
of the departments in my role as a BT engineer. Information passed to
me ( August ) is that a building has already been earmarked for us and
that the A&E/outpatients will be moving into the ground floor of
the maternity unit with a possible new entrance where Radio
Heatherwood. currently is. This to happen sooner than later.
This opens up a whole new can of worms with the hospital and puts into
question just exactly what kind of radio services are the patients
going to have access to?.
The hospital intend to move the minor injuries unit to the ground
floor of maternity. Radio Heatherwood will have to vacate the current
studios by the end of April 2000. This information was finally given
to us At the league meeting on Monday 15th November 1999.
We did always hope this would not come off but the reality is we have
to move!.
In June we were asked to attend a meeting with the hospital but was
banned from discussing low power AM this was to make way for them to
inform us of their intention to install patient line:-
The basic upshot is, the trust intend to spend one million pounds + or
more on a system which will put at each bed the facility to have TV.
radio and your own personal telephone at both hospitals sites?.
Sounds a good idea apart from the cost, until you realise the
downsides. They only target wards which have patients who are not
showing signs of dementia or mental illness, special care or
children’s wards. To make the system pay they encourage patients to
use the TV/phone which is chargeable also encouraging them to get
their relatives to phone them whilst in hospital. These calls are
charged at premium rates i.e. 50p a minute. The long term aim is to
raise profits from the system once capital costs have been recouped.
A survey conducted recently says that only 120 beds at Heatherwood.
would be viable but Wexham could go ahead.
For technical reasons they say Heatherwood has a problem at present I
think it’s more a case of it needs 350 beds to make the system pay.
It was also mentioned by the hospital about the league at both sites
perhaps helping with funding or subsidies ?
They have intimated that it is not finalised yet but the overall
impression we got, was they intend to press ahead with it, I think
they were hoping that we would cancel our commitment to current
services and the Low power AM in favour of this system.
I don’t believe they have thought this through very well, because no
mention was given to the fact what happens to the wards where it is
not installed.
They may have banned us from mentioning LPAM at the meeting but
afterwards I pulled department director to one side and spent a long
and sometimes heated discussion on why we are getting no response from
the hospital over LPAM. He says he will respond within the next couple
of weeks,( He Did’t Reply ).
The proposal by the hospital to introduce patient line and the
intention to move the radio studio throws the whole future of the
radio into question.
I would like to say that I’m optimistic about the future but I can’t,
we are fighting an uphill struggle on both fronts one thing is for
sure the next six months will see a radical change to the radio.
We have posted a three page letter to the director of operations
outlining our disgust at our treatment and also asking the trust to
give careful consideration to our proposals.
We have asked for a clear statement on their intentions. We wait and
see ?
One thing is for sure if they decide to opt for patient line and
nothing else Radio Heatherwood will lose two people that I know of !.
Radio Heatherwood has suffered it’s own millennium bomb. It’s best we
let everyone know what the delays have been and why despite our best
efforts we have been ...... on.
This news I'm sure will come as a complete shock to some of you and we
very much feel the same.
I am writing to you with regard to two subjects which are about to
affect the radio services at Heatherwood Hospital. The move of the
radio studio and the proposed introduction of patient line at the
exclusion of all other radio systems.
In July 1998 I wrote to XXX asking for the trusts view on the possible
introduction of the Low Power AM System.
In December 1998 we were asked to attend a meeting with XXX and XXX
and XXX to discuss the proposals. Our understanding was from this
meeting that the trust would be favourable to this system. At the same
meeting we were asked hypothetically how we would feel if the trust
had to move the radio studio. Whilst we would not relish the idea we
agreed that if the hospital were in need of the area we would have to
accept it. It was intimated at the time that such a move might be less
complicated if we were to adopt the new system and not re-connect to
the old cable networks.
Long before the trust decided to discuss the move with us we were
constantly being told that we were moving. This we thought was a
little strange as no discussions had been made. Subsequently over this
past year we have been made aware that the move will go ahead, yet we
had not been informed officially. At the league meeting on Monday 15th
November we are told that the trust wants the radio to move and be out
of our premises by end of April next year.
This leads to the dilemma of what radio systems are going to be
reconnected and at such a short time scale what is the future for the
radio service.
In June we were asked to attend a meeting with Radio Wexham & XXXX
to be informed about the proposal on the introduction of Patient Line.
Prior to the meeting we were banned from discussing the low power am
project despite the fact we were not receiving answers to letters
dating back to February and April. We listened to the presentation and
found it very informative but feel this will not be the panacea of all
ills: like all systems it has it’s good points and bad. We are not
opposed to the introduction of any system but between us we have lots
of experience of other hospital sites and installations and know of
the pitfalls of single systems of delivery.
We took the opportunity to address xxxx after the meeting to consider
what we are trying to achieve with the Low Power AM. We also made it
plain that you should not put all your eggs in one basket The other
radio services which are available can complement existing. Further
copies of the LPAM aerial site options with photos were passed to
xxxx. We were promised that an answer would be forthcoming in the next
couple of weeks. This hasn’t materialised.
I have enclosed a copy of the project folder which was drawn up with
the intention of raising the funds for the Low Power AM Service. In
addition you will find attached to this letter a copy of the expected
coverage area should such a system be installed. We are not allowed to
advertise the fact but it brings endless opportunities which could be
attained for the future of Heatherwood.
The low power am has a downside, there are only limited frequencies
available, the longer a delay in deciding, the less likely we will be
successful in securing a frequency licence. We are in the fortunate
position we have the staff and personnel with the technical skills to
see this project through. In years to come this might not be the case.
Low power Am is not a current fad, it has been born out of long term
negotiations between the National Association and the government as a
means to lighten the expense of hospital radios and ensure they can
continue their activities at hospitals. The original negotiations were
for an FM frequency this proved impossible, the result from further
trials and negotiations was the introduction of Low Power AM. During
the campaign and lobbying of parliament for these types of
broadcasting system, we were even able to gain the support of our own
local MP: Mr Andrew Mackay.
An installation of a single aerial now, will prevent long term expense
for the League as the hospital consistently changes.
We should also take into consideration the technology trend, which is
to move away from all cabling systems for your phones, PC's, and
miscellaneous equipment. Contact will be by freely radiating
transmission systems.
The league sees the future of radio services at Heatherwood as a
combination of the Low power AM and one other, either 100volt bedhead
or patient line. Anything less than this will decimate the power of
the radio to reach listeners inside and outside the site at
Heatherwood.
Our only concern is to be able to deliver a radio service which is not
a financial burden for it’s volunteers, can cope with building changes
at the hospital and can reach as wider audience as possible with a
minimum of financial outlay.
It now seems apparent to us that the Patient line system is going to
go ahead and proposals and existing systems will be swept aside.
We believe we have been more than patient with the trust over the
above subjects, despite the fact we have been kept in the dark.
This letter is not a criticism of individuals or the trust, it is
intended show the depth of frustration which is unwittingly being
forced upon us through the lack of decision and honesty.
We would ask the trust, to give careful consideration to our
proposals, in addition We need a clear written statement of intent on
the future of the radio services as well details on the proposals to
move the radio station ( where to, cost , etc ).
We look forward to your early reply
Yours faithfully
P J Davidson-Smith
Correspondence Secretary League of Friends & Radio Heatherwood
Cc Roy Ryman Chairman LOF
Cc Dave Smith Station Manager
We must all try and ensure the service is maintained to the
best of our abilities over the coming weeks/month’s. As soon
as we know anything we will let you know.
If you have any concerns or would like to voice your comments
remember we are always pleased to see you all.
One final note:- Please do not give out over the air or talk
to any member of the hospital staff what we have written here.
Especially don’t say the radio is closing down. At this moment
in time we just don’t know. What we don’t want is the press to
get hold of this cos that could make the whole thing worse.
Let’s just wait and see what comes of our correspondence.
To ensure that all staff were aware of the news at the same
time and to try and prevent any rumours. The last newsletter
was posted out with the accompanying letter.
1999 Year Twenty Three Story Unfolds
1999 was a very busy year for the station management and as the year
unfolded there was much to do and organise
For further information about this year:- Follow the links
In 1998 the publication of the articles in the Nahbo magazine and also
the mail shot to us from Radica prompted our investigations into the
feasibility of bringing the LPAM to Heatherwood.
In 1998 the idea was investigated and as 1999 progressed the station
engineer was moving the idea forward and collating the required
information so the idea could become a reality.
The first fax to Radica with questions regarding the emerging service.
August 1998
Whilst Radica attended the site for repairs and servicing on the
inductive loop, a preliminary review of the site was carried out to
determine where we would be a good location for the single aerial.
October 1998
Initial survey results with options is received. Five locations are
identified, Option B is recommended by Radica and puts the aerial by
the lockup garages adjacent to Heatherwood Hse.
Listening tests in the EMI unit at night were recommended to see if
local am station reaches inside.
November 1998
30th November Meeting with hospital approves the development of the
LPAM as the new way to deliver radio services to the site.
In addition the Hospital raise the question what would be required if
the radio was to move location.
The minor injuries unit may end up on the ground floor of the
maternity unit.
December 1998
Option D is selected as the most appropriate location. On the access
road close to the EMI Unit.
A letter is sent to the hospital along with information about the
construction of the aerial.
Letter to Windsor & Maidenhead council requesting information
about planning permission for aerial.
Letters to PPL and MCPS requesting information on likely charges.
Email to Broadcast co uk about using wavestation as a sustaining
service, likely costs.
January 1999
Letter from MCPS licence requirements.
February 1999
Letter to Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead planning
application forms.
Receipt of Planning application forms.
March 1999
Chase hospital for answer to request for aerial sites,originally
requested at February league meeting
Tel/call discussion with hospital rep option D a possibility must be
other side of road.
Letter to hospital rep outlining telephone call timetable.
Letter to Radio Authority requesting licence application.
Email to Radica Option D can it be moved.
April 1999
LPAM project folders are completed, one for staff and league and one
for fundraising and sponsors.
Email to Radica When would a site visit be desirable.
Receipt of application forms from Radio Authority.
To complete, we need aerial & TX Location, Grid Ref,Confirmation
Letter From Trust, Height Above Sea Level, Site Map with Boundary, 2
copies +£200 application Fee.
League of friends meeting request made to hospital to supply site
boundary plan plus letter of support including request to arrange TX
site location. League endorses their support.
After the radio staff had visited Stoke Mandeville in early
March, two project folders were drawn up to promote the
project.
Version 1 was for the league and staff and showed a picture of
a mug winner on the front.
20 pages in length it detailed more general details.
Version 2 was for sponsors and fundraising it carried a
picture on the front page of how the heatherwood site might
look like in years to come and was taken from a hospital
promotional leaflet.
25 pages in length it carried more detail and costs.
As the LPAM project was stalled through the actions of the
trust, at a meeting of the league in November 1999 the
hospital rep dropped the news on the league that the trust
intended to move the minor injuries unit and clinics to the
ground floor of the maternity unit thus requiring the radio
station to move to new accommodation.
Footnote:-
The rumours had come true over the studio move and
subsequently
