News / Health
Work to begin in Bristol on UK’s first patient hotel for sick children
Construction of the UK’s first purpose-built patient hotel for sick children and babies is due to start in Bristol on Tuesday.
The hotel will be built off Southwell Street in Kingsdown; just a stone’s throw from St Michael’s Hospital and only a short walk from the Children’s Hospital.
Described as a “pioneering development” and “transformational”, the building will allow patients to stay with their families and receive ongoing therapy and rehabilitation once they no longer require round-the-clock care in hospital.
The patient hotel will be called the Jingle Jam Building in recognition of a partnership between the Grand Appeal and the Jingle Jam which has so far raised more than £2.6m for the development of the building from an annual online streaming event.
The Grand Appeal director, Nicola Masters, said: “Breaking ground today is a landmark moment for us and for families across the South West.
“For years, we’ve listened to staff and parents and heard about children who are well enough to leave an acute ward but still need regular therapy and specialist support.
“This pioneering development is our answer.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Jingle Jam community and every supporter who has helped turn this vision into a reality.
“Today is just the beginning, and we cannot wait to see the difference this facility will make to thousands of children for generations to come.”
Jingle Jam’s Julian Barrell said he is “so proud” to see construction begin on the Jingle Jam Building.
Barrell added: “For years, our community has come together every December to make a lasting difference.
“Knowing that those efforts have helped bring the UK’s first patient hotel for sick children to life is truly humbling.
“We’re honoured to stand alongside the Grand Appeal and Bristol Children’s Hospital today, in making this innovative project a reality.”
Main image: Grand Appeal
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