Two of Bristol’s NHS hospital charities have merged to form a single trust, marking a “once-in- a-generation opportunity” for the region’s health service.
Bristol and Weston Hospitals Charity and Southmead Hospital Charity have joined forces to form the Bristol NHS Foundation Trust (BFT), supporting patients, families and NHS staff across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
The merger builds on the recent union of University Hos- pitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) and North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT), bringing together services for 16 hospitals across the region under the BFT banner.
Bristol & Weston Hospital Charity CE Katie Walker with Bristol NHS Foundation Trust CE Maria Kane
Katie Walker, chief executive of Bristol and Weston Hospitals Charity, said the development had a created a once-in-a-generation opportunity: “Today, by joining forces we can go further – making every donation have even greater impact, supporting NHS staff to innovate and deliver outstanding care, while ensuring kindness and compassionate care remain at the heart of everything we do.
“As we move into an exciting period of change, many important factors remain the same.
“Supporters can continue to give to the hospitals, services or causes closest to their hearts, and the day-to-day charitable support for our hospitals will remain unchanged.”
Since 1974, Bristol and Weston Hospitals Charity has raised more than £110 million to support patients, families and NHS staff across Bristol and Weston-super- Mare. Southmead Hospital Charity recently marked 30 years of funding care and innovation, from personalised prosthetics to its support and research for people living with Parkinson’s.
Ms Walker added: “This is a wonderful moment for Bristol and our hospitals, and an opportunity to thank our incredible supporters for everything they’ve made possible. We’re incredibly proud of the difference we’ve made so far and excited by what we can achieve as one united charity.”