Work Begins on Groundbreaking Patient Hotel for Bristol Children
By Community Correspondent
Construction has officially started on a pioneering new Patient Hotel that will support families of children receiving ongoing treatment in Bristol.
The charity The Grand Appeal has broken ground on the new facility, known as the Jingle Jam Building, marking a major milestone for the project.
On 24 February 2026, representatives from The Grand Appeal, Jingle Jam, Bristol Children’s Hospital, and West of England Mayor Helen Godwin gathered to take part in a ceremonial first dig, signalling the official start of construction.
The purpose-built Patient Hotel will provide accommodation for young patients and their families once they no longer need 24-hour inpatient care but still require therapy and rehabilitation.
By allowing families to remain close during this crucial stage of recovery, the facility aims to ease pressure on hospital wards while offering a more comfortable and supportive environment.
Described as the first development of its kind in the UK, the building is expected to make a lasting difference to families across the South West and South Wales.
Among those backing the project are families like George’s. At just three years old, George experienced a stroke affecting the area of his brain responsible for movement. He and his family spent three months at Bristol Children’s Hospital while he underwent treatment and physiotherapy — an experience they believe would have been greatly improved by access to a facility like the Patient Hotel.
While construction celebrations took place on site, young patients currently being treated at the hospital enjoyed their own festivities in the Activities Centre.
The afternoon featured ride-on mini diggers, building blocks, sand play and plenty of hard hats to mark the occasion.
Staff from the hospital’s neurorehabilitation team — who have played a key role in shaping the project — were also treated to construction-themed cupcakes in recognition of their contribution.
The Grand Appeal expressed its gratitude to supporters, particularly Jingle Jam, which has helped raise more than £2.66 million towards the development so far.
With funding secured and work now underway, the long-awaited blueprints are finally becoming reality.
