A new chapter for charitable support across Bristol and Weston

Tuesday 19th May 2026

Following approval by our respective Boards and the NHS Trusts we support, we are delighted to share our intention to bring Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity (BWHC) and Southmead Hospital Charity (SHC) together as one charity partner for our newly merged Trust, subject to final approval of the Trust merger in the summer by the Department of Health and Social Care.

This marks an exciting and important milestone in our journey.

For decades, both charities have stood proudly alongside our NHS hospitals — rooted in our communities, inspired by our patients, and driven by the generosity of our supporters. By coming together, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build on these strong foundations and create something even more impactful for the future.

Why this matters

A single charity for Bristol and Weston’s hospitals will help us:

Increase our impact – supporting more patients, families and NHS staff across 16 hospital and community sites.

Provide fair and consistent support – making sure people receive the same level of support, no matter where they are treated across Bristol and Weston.

Make every donation go even further – building a more sustainable, resilient charity so we can deliver even more

Make it easier to support what matters to you – creating a simpler, more joined-up way for you to give to the hospitals and services you care about

Attract more investment for greater impact – as a larger, regional charity partner to one of the UK’s biggest acute NHS Trusts

Every pound donated will continue to make a meaningful difference — and together, we can achieve more for the people and communities of Bristol and Weston.

What won’t change

While this is an exciting step forward, several important things won’t change:

Supporters will continue to be able to give to the hospitals, services or causes closest to their hearts.

Donor wishes will be respected.

Existing grants and funding commitments will continue.

Day-to-day charitable support for our hospitals remains unchanged

This is about strengthening what we already do so well — not replacing it.

Looking ahead

We are committed to open and transparent communication and meaningful engagement with our staff, volunteers, donors and partners throughout this time.

This is not simply an organisational change. It is the beginning of a new chapter for charitable support for our hospitals — and we are incredibly excited about what we can achieve, together.

FAQs

Why are you planning to merge?

Following approval by both charity Boards and the NHS Trusts we support, we are planning to bring the two charities together to align with the newly merged Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, subject to final approval from the Department of Health and Social Care.

By coming together, we believe we can deliver greater impact for patients, families and NHS staff across Bristol and Weston, while continuing to respect supporter wishes and local priorities.

Will the merger definitely go ahead?

The merger has been approved by both charity Boards and the Trusts we support, but it is still subject to final approval of the NHS Trust merger by the Department of Health and Social Care. We will continue to keep supporters, partners and colleagues informed as the process progresses.

Once approved, the charity merger will take place on 29th June 2026. From this date, Southmead Hospital Charity will be known as Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity.

How is this linked to the merger of UHBW and NBT?

The charity merger is directly linked to the merger of the NHS Trusts. As the new Bristol NHS Foundation Trust is formed, it is important that there is a single, strong charity partner to support patients, staff and services across all sites.

While closely linked, the charity merger remains a separate legal process and must meet its own governance and regulatory requirements.

When will the merger happen?

The merger is expected to take place alongside the formation of the new NHS Trust, subject to final approval from the Department of Health and Social Care, in the summer.

What will change as a result of the merger?

For supporters, much will remain the same. You will still be able to support the causes you care about, and your donations will continue to make a meaningful difference locally.

Over time, the merger will allow us to strengthen our impact, provide more consistent support across all sites, and create a simpler and more seamless experience for supporters.

Will the charity’s name change?

No, the charity’s name will not be changing.

What will happen to Southmead Hospital Charity?

Subject to final approvals, Southmead Hospital Charity will merge with Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity to form a single charity supporting the new Trust, Bristol NHS Foundation Trust.

This is about building on the strengths of both organisations and ensuring continued charitable support for hospitals, patients and staff across North Bristol, Bristol and Weston.

We will continue to support your existing hospitals, with the addition of the North Bristol Trust Hospitals - Southmead Hospital, Frenchay, Cossham, Community Diagnostic Centre, Thornbury Outpatient Clinic and the Bristol Centre for Enablement.

Does the charity still support all areas of the Trust?

Yes. From 29th June, the charity will supports all 16 hospitals, services and communities of Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, across both Bristol and Weston.

We will support the following 16 hospitals under the new Trust:

Bristol city centre hospitals
Bristol Dental Hospital - Bristol Eye Hospital - Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre - Bristol Heart Institute - Bristol Royal Hospital for Children - Bristol Royal Infirmary - Central Health Clinic - St Michael's Hospital

North Bristol hospitals
Bristol Centre for Enablement - Community Diagnostic Centre – Cossham - Frenchay - Southmead Hospital - Thornbury Outpatient Clinic

South Bristol Community Hospital

Weston General Hospital

Can I still support my chosen hospital?

Yes. Supporters will continue to be able to support specific hospitals, services or causes they care about. This will not change.

I’ve already donated or pledged a legacy. Will my donation still support the hospital I chose?

Yes. Respecting donor wishes remains fundamental. All existing donations, legacies and gifts will continue to be used in line with donor intent.

Can I still donate or fundraise for a specifical hospital or ward?

Absolutely. Donations can still be directed to specific wards, departments or hospitals they care about. This will not change.

Will fundraising activities and events change?

No. Fundraising activities and events will continue as planned. There are no immediate changes for supporters.

How will you keep supporters informed?

We are committed to open and transparent communication. We will continue to share updates at key milestones and ensure supporters understand what the merger means for them.

Information will be available on our websites and social media channels, and our teams are always happy to help with any questions.

If you have any further questions, please get in touch by email at [email protected] or call us on 0117 927 7120.