The merger between University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust becomes official today, creating one of the biggest health trusts in the country.  

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust (BFT) employs 28,000 members of staff and a £2.6 billion annual turnover.

There are now 10 clinical services across BFT already working together as single, joined up teams to reduce duplication and streamline services.

 the people and communities we serve, we will shape the kind of organisation we want to become.” 

The merger started when clinicians from the two former Trusts joined forces to create a Group Clinical Strategy. As teams worked to develop these aims they realised being a single organisation would make it easier to deliver the ambitious plans.

According to the newly formed Trust, merging means that BFT ranks ahead of any other Trust in the country for the amount of National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) funding received. This places Bristol in a prime position to improve care and cutting-edge treatments for the local population, as well as across the South West, nationally and internationally.  

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust Chief Executive, Maria Kane, said: 

"This is a momentous day for health services in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire and we are delighted to now be one single organisation working together to improve care for patients, support our people, reduce inequalities across our population and make the best use of public resources.

“While merging is a significant milestone, it is just a step on our journey and we look forward to building on the foundations we have already laid to ensure Bristol NHS Foundation Trust is fit for the future and continues to grow and innovate to provide the best care for our patients.”  

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust Chair, Ingrid Barker, added:

“I’m incredibly proud to have been part of this journey so far, and now that we are one organisation, I’m excited to see what our 28,000 colleagues will achieve together for the people whose lives we touch.  

“But we know this is not something we can do alone. By working closely with our partners across health and care, the voluntary sector, our Community Participation Group, Council of Governors, and communities we serve, we will shape the kind of organisation we want to become.” 

BFT launches its new website today at bristolft.nhs.uk.