Two hospital charities in Bristol have become a single organisation to align with the merger of two NHS trusts.
In May, Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity (BWHC) announced its intention to combine with Southmead Hospital Charity (SHC) to support the merger of North Bristol NHS Trust and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust.
At the time, BWHC said that as “the new Bristol NHS Foundation Trust (BFT) is formed, it’s important that there’s a single, strong charity partner to support patients, staff and services across all sites”.
Last week, the charity said it had completed its merger with SHC and would now be supporting all 13 hospitals across Bristol, Weston and south Gloucestershire.
Data filed with the Charity Commission shows that during the year ending 31 March 2025, BWHC had a total income of £3.66m and 29 employees. Meanwhile, SHC recorded a total income of £2.06m during that year.
A spokesperson for BWHC told Civil Society that there have been no redundancies and that 10 SHC staff transferred to BWHC under TUPE.
They added that the new charity would retain the BWHC name and logo.
‘Together we can go further’
Following the merger, BWHC said it would support 1.75 million patients each year.
“By joining forces, we can have an even greater impact for patients, families and NHS staff,” the charity said.
“As one charity, we can make every donation go further, support innovation and respond more effectively to where the need is greatest.”
BWHC’s chief executive Katie Walker said: “This is a proud moment as we stand stronger alongside our NHS colleagues in their newly formed trust.
“Together, we can go further – making every donation have even greater impact for patients and families across our region.
“We look forward to getting to know our new supporters this summer.”
Maria Kane, CEO of BFT, said: “BWHC is a vital partner to the trust, and seeing two major charities come together as one will make a real difference for our patients.
“The charity enables us to go further – supporting innovation and helping our hospitals continue to lead with both excellence and compassion.
“We’re delighted to celebrate this moment with them.”
