Northern Air Hospital Radio, founded in 1960 by Stanley Langer and Norman Mendelsohn, initially served Delaunays Hospital by screening films and playing music for patients. Its early success led to rapid expansion, with the station, Radio HBS, as it was then called, moving to Crumpsall and increasing its broadcast schedule to six nights a week by 1969. The station played a significant role in providing entertainment and comfort to hospital patients, featuring a variety of programs including sports coverage and live concerts.
In 1988, purpose-built studios were inaugurated, marking a significant milestone in the station’s history. These studios became the heart of the Northern Air teams operations, allowing for professional and uninterrupted broadcasting. However, despite the lack of a dedicated studio currently, Northern Air continues to broadcast 24/7 to North Manchester General Hospital and Salford Royal Hospital. The station relies on the commitment of volunteers and the leadership of Dave Langer, the son of one of the founders, along with Station Manager Phil Salter and Chairman Steve Woolfe.
Despite currently not having a home base to broadcast from since the station vacated its previous studio back in April 2022, it has not stopped the presenters voices being heard as Ken Anton manages to broadcast a live programme each week from his house. Phil Salter manages to refresh the output with a number of pre-recorded programmes. The stations Dave Langer with his ingenuity and not taking no for an answer, has been able to get Northern Air Hospital Radios output to a number of other hospitals, as well as both North Manchester General and Salford Royal Hospitals, these include Manchester Royal Infirmary, Wythenshawe Hospital, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Saint Mary’s Hospital and the University Dental Hospital of Manchester.
Thanks to Phil Salter, Ken Anton and Jack Davies who together with all their technical skills gave the station the ability to broadcast from presenters homes to not only all the patients and staff in the hospitals they cover but also a wider audience via the internet – which has turned out to be a great success.
We spoke to the stations chairman, Joe Sambrook, who told usd a little about the award winning station and the vital service it still provides to this day, Northern Air Hospital Radio is not only a source of entertainment but also a vital service that helps lift the spirits of patients during their hospital stay. Volunteers play a crucial role, visiting wards to collect music requests and engaging with patients to ensure their voices are heard on air. The station’s adaptability and dedication to its mission have helped it remain a beloved institution within the hospital community.
For more information about Northern Air Hospital Radio, including how to volunteer or make a donation, you can visit their official website at northernair.org.uk.
