History: The origins of the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children can be traced to 1866 when a house in Royal Fort Road, Clifton, was set aside for "sick children and for the outdoor treatment of women". The hospital was established by Liberal politician Mark Whitwell, who laid down the principle that any child, no matter how poor, would be admitted provided there was room.
Within 20 years, the hospital was treating 900 women and 2,000 children annually. The hospital moved to a new site on St Michael's Hill in 1885, providing 88 beds and cots and seven beds for women. The hospital was granted its Royal status by Queen Victoria in 1897.
The hospital survived bomb damage during the Bristol Blitz to become incorporated into the newly-formed National Health Service in 1948. By the end of the last century, the building had become outdated, with advances in technology and rising demand for services. A major public fund-raising campaign was launched to build a purpose-built, exciting and child-friendly new building. The new hospital, adjacent to the BRI, was opened by HRH Prince Charles in 2001. A dynamic arts programme continues to enhance the environment and help young patients' recovery.
First went to this site on a 28DL Bristol meet up, so was nice meeting some new faces and hitting a site I didn't even realise was there! Then decided to do a day visit, think we were probably the last people to go in as the building was kind of missing it's side!
Nice to get into both times, and good company throughout. So big shout outs to Grit, Seffyboy, Tumbles, Whodareswins, Wordsfromluke, Avengerpenguin, and Sheepdisease!
Within 20 years, the hospital was treating 900 women and 2,000 children annually. The hospital moved to a new site on St Michael's Hill in 1885, providing 88 beds and cots and seven beds for women. The hospital was granted its Royal status by Queen Victoria in 1897.
The hospital survived bomb damage during the Bristol Blitz to become incorporated into the newly-formed National Health Service in 1948. By the end of the last century, the building had become outdated, with advances in technology and rising demand for services. A major public fund-raising campaign was launched to build a purpose-built, exciting and child-friendly new building. The new hospital, adjacent to the BRI, was opened by HRH Prince Charles in 2001. A dynamic arts programme continues to enhance the environment and help young patients' recovery.
First went to this site on a 28DL Bristol meet up, so was nice meeting some new faces and hitting a site I didn't even realise was there! Then decided to do a day visit, think we were probably the last people to go in as the building was kind of missing it's side!
Nice to get into both times, and good company throughout. So big shout outs to Grit, Seffyboy, Tumbles, Whodareswins, Wordsfromluke, Avengerpenguin, and Sheepdisease!
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