A Friend In Need – March 2026

Ten years after the first study, the Hospital Broadcasting Association have published a second independent evaluation of the impact of hospital, health and wellbeing broadcasting in the UK. 

This UK-wide study involved patients and their families, clinical, administrative and management staff in hospitals alongside volunteers from hospital, health and wellbeing broadcasting stations themselves.  

The research revealed that alongside a huge impact on volunteers, NHS staff and the wider community, hospital, health and wellbeing broadcasting has a positive impact on the psychosocial health outcomes for patients; provides much needed social interaction and a sense of calm and reassurance; and helps people to feel like an individual, while enhancing health and wellbeing. 

As the NHS rolls out plans for more integrated community-based and preventative healthcare. These national strategies emphasise community care, improved wellbeing and digital transformation, all areas where hospital radio has been evolving for over a decade. 

A Friend in Need – HBA Impact Report Summary (March 2026)

A Friend In Need – Hospital Broadcasting Association Impact Evaluation, Full Report (March 2026)

Below is a thank-you letter received from a former Broadgreen Hospital patient.