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25 May 2008  

Radio in tune with sick kids
Radio Lollipop celebrated five years at St John of God Hospital Murdoch last week with a party for the children.

Radio Lollipop founder Hedley Finn made a special visit to the hospital to visit the sick children. He started the program at Queen Mary’s Hospital for Children in Surrey, England, in 1978 with the first radio show airing on May 5, 1979. “The original concept was created to bring the children together for activities and as we’ve grown, we’ve learned that radio is about using your imagination just like playing games is about using your imagination so the two came together very well,” he said. “I’m very proud of the superb team effort here at St John of God Hospital Murdoch because it’s all about visual entertainment and putting a smile on children’s faces.”

Radio Lollipop helps sick children through laughter and play. Run entirely by volunteers, it is all about providing the children in the ward with fun including reading stories, playing games and running competitions. They also provide companionship and a person to talk to, to help ease their fear and anxiety during their hospital stay. Volunteer Coordinator Glenice Sanders said there was no in-house radio station at St John of God Hospital Murdoch so volunteers made a point of visiting and spending time with every child in the ward. “We have two volunteers each day and they work in the wards on a one-to-one basis,” she said. “We’re all about having serious fun and making the kids smile.”