Work begins on transforming St George's children's ward
20 July 2026
Former patients, hospital staff and charity supporters gathered on the ward to celebrate this major milestone and officially mark the start of the refurbishment.
St George's is home to one of the country's largest children's hospitals, caring for thousands of local children as well as young patients from across the South West who need specialist treatment. Originally built as office space in the 1970s, Nicholls and Pinckney wards now care for more than 4,000 children every year. The care they receive is exceptional, but the facilities are not. That is why St George’s Hospital Charity launched their landmark Time for a Change Children’s appeal to raise £5 million to transform the spaces and provide staff, patients and families with the modern environment they deserve.
With the appeal now past the halfway point, work can begin on the first phase of the project, Nicholls Ward. The refurbished ward will feature brighter, more welcoming spaces, new flooring and lighting, improved play and recreation areas, more comfortable staff facilities and significantly more en-suite bathrooms for children and their families.
Speaking as work got underway, Sijo Francis, Site Chief Medical Officer at St George’s Hospital, said:
"Seeing the ward completely empty really brought it home just how much this refurbishment is needed.
"It's going to be transformed into a brighter, more welcoming place for children and their families. One of the biggest things we've heard is the need for more en-suite bathrooms. At the moment, families often have to rely on shared facilities, so increasing the number of en-suites will make a huge difference to their experience.
"I'm also incredibly excited to see the new staff spaces. Our staff are at the heart of everything we do, and giving them spaces that better support them is such an important part of this project."
Former patient Miles, returned to Nicholls Ward ahead of work beginning. Treated on the ward as a teenager, he said coming back was an emotional experience.
"Walking back onto the empty ward was surreal. I kept expecting to hear the familiar beeps and sounds of the hospital. Without the beds and equipment, you can really see how much work needs to be done.
"I remember those cramped shower facilities all too well, and it's fantastic that future patients will have so many more accessible bathrooms. It will make such a difference for children and their families.
"What always made St George's special was the people. Every doctor, nurse and member of staff was incredible. I'm so pleased they'll finally have an environment that matches the care they provide."
Katy Vaughan, Chief Executive of St George's Hospital Charity, said:
"Reaching this milestone is a testament to the generosity of our local community. Every donation has helped bring us one step closer to transforming these wards for children, families and staff. Thank you to everyone who has supported the appeal so far."
Although work has now started on Nicholls Ward, the appeal is far from over. The Charity still needs to raise £1.4 million to transform neighbouring Pinckney Ward, ensuring every child cared for at St George's benefits from modern, welcoming surroundings.
Closing the event, Sijo Francis added:
"St George's is your hospital. It's the place families turn to when they need help the most, and we owe it to every child to make that experience as positive as possible.
"This project has only been possible because of the time, generosity and commitment of so many people. From the bottom of my heart, thank you."
Help us finish what we’ve started.
Every donation brings the Time for a Change appeal one step closer to its £5 million goal and the transformation of neighbouring Pinckney Ward. Ensuring many more children and families at St George's benefit from the environment they deserve.
Whether you've supported the appeal before or are donating for the first time, now is the moment to help create brighter, more welcoming spaces for future generations of children.
