Date Unknown

Brightening the 'dark hour'

Sir,
I would like to express my extreme gratitude to that group of unsung heroes - all the members of staff connected with the Hospital Broadcasting Service, who provide a very welcome link between patients in Hull hospitals and, to an extent, the outside world.

How many of the thousands of people who, fortunately, have not had to spend a few weeks in hospital, realise what a truly great service these volunteers provide on limited resources?

On two afternoons and three evenings (soon to be extended to four) each week a good quality, well-balanced programme of music, together with chat, phone-in, patients' requests and in the case of this particular ward, a friendly repartee with the patients, is provided to brighten the 'dark period' after visiting time is over and patients spend the hour in a void.

These programmes are relayed to us from an apparently broken-down building in the Old Town with the participants working sometimes in uncomfortably damp conditions.

I hope readers will think a little of this endeavour, and I express the hope that some Samaritan in our city can help them in their search for more comfortable studios.

K DICKINSON, Ward Four, Hull Royal Infirmary