A NORTHFIELD man has scooped a prestigious accolade at the National Hospital Radio Awards.
Dave Horton won the John Whitney Award, given for long service to hospital broadcasting.
Dave, 63, has worked for the Birmingham Hospital Broadcast Network (BHBN) for 35 years and has been technical director since 1999.
He has been instrumental in implementing a lot of positive positive changes.
When Patientline (now Hospedia) units were introduced to Birmingham’s three hospitals Dave liaised with engineering teams to ensure BHBN was on the system and coming across loud and clear for patients.
The testimonial by the network’s former honorary secretary Emma Boydell, said: “He has ensured BHBN stays on the air at all costs.
“A truer ‘doer’, Dave never rests, always thinking about what can be done to further improve the station whilst mindful of the financial constraints and needs of the charity.
“He has worked tirelessly to assist in the renewal of equipment to ensure the quality of broadcast, across eight major hospitals, is never less than perfect.”
Dave designed and rebuilt the studios in 2006 and rebuilt another studio in 2010.
Then when the City Hospital lease was curtailed he secured a new premises at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, rebuilding the studio again – in an old operating theatre.
In 2012 BHBN was back on the air with better sound quality, thanks to Dave’s work.
As well as patients listening to BHBN in hospitals, they can also listen to it online when they return home, as can anyone else in the World.
Dave has also built a new editing suite, updated systems, held the role as sports editor and vice chairman and presents two shows a week.
He is also a mentor to new and existing members, offering friendly training sessions when needed and is the on-call person to go to for any live issues, never failing to pick up the phone.
Dave, 63, said: “I am so honoured to receive this award, the fact that it is nationally recognised and puts BHBN on the national hospital radio map makes it very special.”
“Whilst I was aware I had been entered, it was a total shock to actually win the award, because I am sure there are others in hospital radio who have been members longer than me, and who also have done some truly amazing things for their stations, too.”
He thanked Emma for putting the testimonial together.
Visit bhbn.net to listen to the station and to find out more about getting involved.
