A new chapter for charitable 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 the newly merged Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, with BWHC becoming the principal charity partner for the new organisation. 

This marks an exciting and important moment for charitable support across our region. 

For 30 years, Southmead Hospital Charity has proudly supported North Bristol NHS Trust – funding research, equipment, patient experience projects, specialist clinical programmes, and staff wellbeing. Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity has supported University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) for more than five decades. 

By bringing our two thriving charities 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’s hospitals will help us: 

• Increase our impact for patients, families and NHS staff across all 16 hospital and community sites in the new Trust  

• Provide fair and consistent support across all hospitals and services 

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

• Make it easier to support what matters to you, creating a simpler way for you to give to the hospitals and services you care about 

• Attract greater investment as one larger, regional charity   

This is not about losing what makes SHC special, but building on it; ensuring our community’s generosity continues to enhance care long into the future.  

What won’t change 

Even as we move into this final phase, several important things will not change: 

• People will still be able to donate to the hospitals, services or areas that matter most to them 

• Support for Southmead Hospital, Cossham Hospital, and Bristol Centre for Enablement will remain firmly in place 

• Donor wishes will continue to be honoured exactly as intended 

The generosity of our supporters will continue to make a difference where it matters most. 

A proud legacy moving into a new future 

We understand that many people feel a strong connection to the Southmead Hospital Charity name. Our name may change, but the heart of what we do will not. Our history, identity and community will always remain an important part of the new charity’s story. 

What happens next 

We will continue to keep our community updated as we move through each step of the process. 

In the meantime, you can visit our merger FAQs page to learn more and find answers to some of the most common questions.

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.   
 

* All developments remain subject to final approval through formal NHS and charity governance processes.