Demand for Background Music in Hospital Waiting Areas Survey

Northumberland Hospital Radio - Survey 2026

NHR provides a 24-hour service of middle-of-the-road popular music, hourly national news, local news, interviews with NHS staff, topical health information and public service announcements. This is run by dedicated volunteers who are proud to be a part of the wider Northumbria Family of staff and volunteers.

We believe there is strong demand from patients and staff for background music and information in public waiting areas and staff work areas.

The public tell us they would like background music as a distraction and to enable private conversations to take place. This survey builds on our previous survey in the 2000s and the recent results of our National Association's Impact Report 2026.

We would be grateful for your time completing this survey.

1.What best describes your relationship with Northumbria Healthcare?

Member of Staff

NVS-registered volunteer

Patient

Carer (i.e. someone who accompanies a patient to hospital)

3.How likely are you to support the provision of background music in hospital waiting areas?

4.What is your primary concern about having background music/speakers in hospital waiting areas?

Noise disturbance

Lack of privacy issues where no background music is available

I prefer quiet waiting areas

No concerns - only benefits

5.What features would you find beneficial in a speaker system in hospital waiting areas? Select all that apply.(Required.)

Clear sound quality

Volume control

Background music to enable private conversations to take place

Information about Northumbria Healthcare services and new initiatives

Reminders about vaccinations eg: annual flu & Covid vaccine programmes.

Hearing a familiar piece of music which helps reduce stress and anxiety associated with a hospital visit.

Listening to short items of topical health information and public service announcements

6.What improvements would you suggest for communication in hospital waiting areas?