Bristol is set to welcome a groundbreaking new facility in children’s healthcare, as plans for the UK’s first dedicated Patient Hotel for young patients have been approved. The Jingle Jam Building, a 12-room facility near Bristol Children’s Hospital, aims to provide a more comforting path to recovery for children and babies requiring outpatient therapy and rehabilitation.
The project, a joint initiative between Bristol charity The Grand Appeal and digital fundraiser Jingle Jam, has received the green light from Bristol City Council. The hotel will serve as a vital ‘step-down’ space for patients who no longer need round-the-clock hospital care, allowing them to stay with their families while continuing essential outpatient therapy and rehabilitation.
The Jingle Jam Building will feature ensuite rooms, shared kitchen and lounge areas, as well as facilities for therapy, rehabilitation, and dietetic support. Additionally, an on-site gym, specially adapted kitchen, and landscaped gardens will aid young patients in regaining confidence and independence following major surgery or long-term illness.
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The concept of a Patient Hotel, which originated in Sweden, has proven successful across Scandinavia, with the aim of freeing up hospital beds while offering holistic, family-centered care just minutes from the hospital itself. The facility is expected to benefit children recovering from brain injuries, complex surgeries, and those needing frequent input from therapists or nutritionists.
The hotel’s design allows for accommodation alongside families, promising to improve the well-being of children and reduce anxiety. This inclusive approach will allow parents and caregivers to play an active role in their child’s therapy, ultimately building confidence and improving their child’s outcomes on discharge.
Nicola Masters, Director of The Grand Appeal, expressed gratitude toward Jingle Jam and the online gaming community for their support in making this project a reality. With the continued support, the collaboration aims to set a new standard in the UK for children’s healthcare, following intensive care and treatment in hospital.