The 8th of May 2018 sees the official launch of GB1NHS. This unique special event callsign is being looked after on behalf of the NHS by Paul Devlin G1SMP, and Paul has plans to put the callsign to good use promoting both amateur radio within the NHS, and NHS initiatives using amateur radio.
Essex Ham interviewed Paul in May 2018 to find out more about the background to GB1NHS, the launch at the National Radio Centre, and plans for future tie-ups between the NHS and amateur radio. You can have a listen to the full interview here, to find out more about the scheme.
| Interview – Paul Devlin G1SMP from the NHS – 01 May 2018 (7 mins) |
Launching at the NRC
The formal launch takes place on Tuesday the 8th of May 2018 at the National Radio Centre in Bletchley Park. The RSGB has kindly arranged for the NRC (which is closed to the public on a Tuesday) to be available for the launch.
Amateurs are welcome to make contact with GB1NHS for the first time between around 10.45am and 2pm on Tuesday the 8th of May.
The aim of GB1NHS is to promote NHS initiatives that lead to patients receiving excellent care, faster recovery and living longer healthier lives, through the medium of amateur radio. One of the initial aims is to promote the NHS’s #EndPJParalysis 70-day Challenge.
Talking about the launch, Paul says “We’re very grateful to the RSGB and the National Radio Centre for allowing us to host our launch event there for the day. This year is the 70th anniversary of the NHS, so this is a historic moment for us”
Keep an eye on the @GB1NHS feed for updates on launch day.
As discussed in the interview, there are plans for regular on-air sessions and events from GB1NHS – If you’re a Twitter user, follow @GB1NHS for details of upcoming opportunities to support this initiative.
Related Links
- @GB1NHS – Updates via Twitter
- What is amateur radio? – Our introduction to the hobby
- RSGB – About the hobby nationally – Radio Society of Great Britain
- National Radio Centre – Located at Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes
- #EndPJParalysis and #EndPJparalysis70 – Updates via Twitter
- #EndPJParalysis Facebook Page
- Southend Hospital Radio Interview – Supporting EndPJParalysis
Good luck with this guys. I worked in the NHS for 31 years, and I often thought of proposing an NHS Amateur Radio Society, but never got round to it!
Excellent all the best for the future of GB1NHS, great stuff!!