THE benefits of a hospital radio station have been empirically proven. Patients recover more quickly if they have a way of relieving the stress and boredom of a hospital stay. With the NHS under pressure, this is an important factor.

Many patients have a smartphone or tablet, and they can access CHBN, Truro's hospital and community radio service, in several ways. But if you have no device, or if sight or other health issues prevent you using it successfully, what happens then?

Enter CHBN's new Radio Pack, comprising a mini-FM radio, earphones, a lanyard and two AAA batteries. The pack costs £7.50 and can be ordered on www.chbnradio.org/radio

Patients can place their order for free delivery to their hospital ward, choosing to pay either by card online or by cash or card on receipt of their radio. The patient's name and ward must be entered in the "Your message for the merchant" box on the checkout page.

The Friends of RCH have agreed to stock the radio packs on their hospital trolley and in the Friends Coffee Bar in the Tower Block.

Relatives and friends can also buy a radio on a patient’s behalf. To do this, visit the website and click on "Request Radio". Payment by card is required before delivery, and is free within the hospital but can be arranged for any UK address with an additional £3.50 postage charge.

For patients and their friends and relatives, a CHBN individual FM radio is within easy reach. Please visit the website to get all the details.

If you are still undecided about the importance of hospital radio, bear in mind that the first ever radio interview given by the Beatles was at Hulme Hall in Port Sunlight in October 1962. It was broadcast on Cleaver and Clatterbridge Hospitals' radio stations. Enough said.