One NHS charity for all your hospitals

Millions of moments made possible

Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity and Southmead Hospital Charity have now joined together to support every hospital across Bristol, Weston and South Gloucestershire.

One charity. One team. One full-hearted community — and together, we can do even more for patients, families and NHS staff.

By joining forces, we can make every donation go further, from supporting NHS staff to innovate, to bringing more joy, comfort and hope for the 1.75 million patients needing care each year in your hospitals.

Working in partnership with Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, we see where the need is greatest and we respond. From those early scan moments to those final goodbyes and every treatment and recovery day in-between, we have transformed the patient experience by pushing the limits of what’s possible — with Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity investing over £112 million into local NHS care over the last fifty years, and Southmead Hospital Charity raising many millions more to support patients, families and staff across North Bristol.

And we’re hard at work to keep those millions coming in to invest in our four key areas — enabling healthcare for all, supporting older care, creating healing environments and funding innovation for change.

While this is an exciting new chapter, what matters most stays the same. You can still support the hospitals and causes closest to your heart, and your generosity will always be used in the way you intend.

We’re incredibly grateful for your continued support.

Together, we can do even more.

FAQs

Has the merger now gone ahead?

Yes. Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity and Southmead Hospital Charity have now officially come together as one charity supporting all hospitals across Bristol, Weston and South Gloucestershire.

Why have the charities merged?

By joining forces, we can have an even greater impact for patients, families and NHS staff. As one charity, we can make every donation go further, support innovation and respond more effectively to where the need is greatest.

How is this linked to the NHS Trust merger?

The charity merger aligns with the formation of the new Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. While closely linked, the charity remains an independent organisation that works in partnership with the NHS.

Does the charity still support all areas of the Trust?

Yes. As the official charity partner of Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, we support all of the following 13 hospitals:

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 - Cossham Hospital - Southmead Hospital

South Bristol Community Hospital

Weston General Hospital

What does this mean for me as a supporter?

There’s nothing you need to do differently. You can continue to donate, fundraise and support the hospitals and causes you care about, just as before.

If you were previously a supporter of Southmead Hospital Charity, donations will now be made via Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity.

Can I still support or fundraise for my chosen hospital or service?

Yes. You can continue to support or fundraise for the hospital, ward, department or service that matters most to you. This will not change

Will my existing donation or legacy still be used as I intended?

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

If you’ve left a gift in your will to Southmead Hospitals Charity, all existing gifts, pledges and legacies remain fully protected and will continue to support your chosen hospital in North Bristol.

Will my regular donation (e.g. Direct Debit) continue?

Yes. Regular donations will continue as normal unless you choose to make any changes.

Can I still support my chosen hospital?

Southmead Hospital Charity is now part of Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity. While the name is changing, the support for Southmead Hospital, its staff and patients, continues as part of the new, larger charity — which now supports 13 hospitals including Southmead Hospital, Cossham Hospital, Bristol Centre for Enablement and other NBT services.

I’ve supported Southmead for years — will that still matter?

Absolutely. Your support and the difference you’ve made remain a vital part of this next chapter. We are committed to honouring that legacy while building an even stronger future together.

Will my donation stay local?

Yes. You can still choose to support a specific hospital or service, and your donation will be used in line with your wishes.

Will my donation make more of a difference now?

Yes. By coming together, we can use our combined resources and expertise to make every pound go further — improving environments, supporting staff and enhancing patient care.

How will you decide where funds are used?

We work closely with our NHS colleagues to understand where the need is greatest, while always respecting donor wishes. Funding decisions are made carefully to achieve the greatest impact.

Will fundraising events or activities change?

Our events and fundraising activities including the Bristol to Bath Trail Escape and the Big Bristol Abseil will continue, and over time we hope to offer even more opportunities for people to get involved across the region.

Will donation processes or websites change?

You may notice some updates as we bring everything together, but donating will remain simple and secure. We’ll provide clear guidance if anything changes.

I’m a member of NHS staff, how will my grant application be affected?

There will be no immediate change to existing funding, projects or grant applications.

Any new grant application requests can be made via the Apply For A Grant section of the Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity website. The process remains the same, and we will keep staff informed of any future updates.

Who should I contact if I have a question?

You can contact our team as usual by emailing us at [email protected] or calling us on 0117 927 7120.

We’re here to help and happy to answer any questions.