A community radio station has been asked to move out of its hospital studios after more than 55 years due to “increasing NHS pressures”.
Apple FM has been based at Taunton’s Musgrove Park Hospital in Somerset for more than five decades, starting as hospital radio for patients in 1969.
Greg Perkins, managing director of the station, told BBC Radio Somerset: “While we fully understand the pressures the NHS is facing, we are now reaching out to the people of Taunton for help in securing a new base so we can continue broadcasting for many years to come.”
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust thanked the “much-cherished” station for its service but said the space was needed to expand outpatient clinics.
“We wish them all the very best in the future,” added a spokesperson.
Apple FM launched in 2013, previously being known as Taunton Hospital Radio.
Broadcasting on 97.3FM and online, it is the only remaining community radio station in Taunton.
The volunteer‑run station says it is urgently looking for a space in the town with a minimum of two rooms, ideally a third room for storage of technical audio equipment to continue delivering its service to listeners.
Perkins continued: “The hospital and trust have always been really good to us but they’ve given us until the summer.
“We want to keep the radio station going but we need a new location urgently.”
The Somerset NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson added: “In response to the changing needs of patients locally and the growth in our services, we are constantly reviewing the footprint within our buildings, so we can prioritise care for patients.
“This is in line with us already asking some non-clinical services to relocate off the hospital site.”
