Exploring a 'one team' future for Bristol's NHS charities

10th March 2026

THE BRISTOL TRUSTS INTENT TO MERGE

In every region, the NHS is facing very real and profound challenges; rising demand for services, constrained funding and ageing hospital estates. To continue to deliver the outstanding care that patients rightly expect and NHS staff are committed to deliver, NHS organisations need real and meaningful change.

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) and North Bristol Trust (NBT) have shared their intent to merge to become one organisation.

The Trusts have set out a vision to become ‘One Team’, learning from each other, sharing resources, removing wasteful duplication to ensure that all patients, no matter who they are, where they live, or where they are treated, get access to the same high-quality care across all our hospitals.

Every year millions of people across the Southwest and beyond need urgent, expert medical care from the NHS in our hospitals, which is one of the biggest collection of hospitals and services in the UK in a single region.

Exploration of Bristol’s two NHS charities merging

The Group currently has two NHS charities; UHBW’s being Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity (BWHC), NBT’s being Southmead Hospital Charity (SHC). Both charities have been standing alongside the NHS for decades; BWHC since 1974 and SHC since 1996.

In support of this potential move to a single Trust, the charities are exploring a potential merger to also become ‘One Team’, where BWHC would become the principal charity partner for the new merged organisation.

By combining the strengths, expertise and resources of two much-loved and successful NHS charities we could be even more impactful for every resident across Bristol, Weston-super-Mare and beyond.

For now, we must take this ‘once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity to explore the details of how merged charities could work and a decision will be released by us and Southmead Hospital Charity in May 2026. This, as part of the wider decision about the Trust merger, will then be subject to final approvals in the summer.

Until then, nothing changes. Funding continues and projects move forward. The power of collective kindness shines brightly as both charities continue to help our NHS colleagues push the boundaries of what is possible with exceptional patient care.

Keep an eye out for more updates in May.

FAQS

Why are you exploring a merger?

The two charities are exploring a merger to ensure their charitable support is aligned with the way NHS services in Bristol and Weston may be organised in future. By working more closely together, we believe we could deliver even greater impact for patients, families and NHS staff across the region, while continuing to respect supporter wishes and local priorities.

Will the merger definitely go ahead?

No. At this stage, the charities are exploring the potential for a merger, but no final decision has been made. Any merger would be subject to formal approvals by the relevant charity and NHS boards. We will keep supporters, partners and colleagues informed as the process progresses.

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

The charities’ discussions are linked to the proposed merger of the NHS Trusts in Bristol and Weston. As the NHS organisations explore coming together, it is important that their charitable support is aligned in a way that best serves patients, staff and supporters. However, the charity merger is a separate decision and will follow its own governance process.

When will a final decision be made?

The timing of decisions will depend on formal governance processes. A final decision will be released by us and Southmead Hospital Charity in May 2026. This will then be subject to final approval in the summer. We are committed to keeping supporters informed at key milestones.

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 as a result of exploring a merger.

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

Yes. We want to support donor wishes as far as possible and exploring a merger will not change that. All existing legacies, donations and gifts will continue to be managed in line with donor wishes.

Will your fundraising activities and events change?

No. Fundraising activities and events will continue as planned. There are no changes at this stage.

What will change if the merger is approved?

It is too early to say what specific changes might occur. If a merger is approved, we will provide clear information about what it means for supporters, including what will change and what will not. We are working in collaboration with our colleagues at both NHS Trusts to explore all the options and potential impact, and will share updates when we have them.