North Bristol NHS Trust and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust have today (28 April 2025) confirmed the formation of Bristol NHS Group, bringing together the two NHS providers with a shared ambition: to deliver seamless, high-quality, equitable and sustainable care for people across Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and the wider South West.
In December 2023, the two Trusts set out a shared ambition: to form a Hospital Group within the next two years, that would tackle shared challenges, deepen collaboration, and improve care. Today, as Bristol NHS Group, this partnership formally launches.
Chaired by Ingrid Barker and led by Maria Kane as Group Chief Executive, Bristol NHS Group unites the two Trusts to transform the way healthcare is delivered locally with a clear focus on making a difference for our patients, our people, the populations we serve, and the public purse (the Four Ps).
Bristol NHS Group has set out its priorities in a Summary Benefits Case, to improve healthcare for the communities it serves:
- Deliver outstanding care for everyone who needs it
- Support our people to thrive and excel
- Get the most out of our resources for the communities we serve
- Excel in groundbreaking innovation, research and development
- Work with our partners as one team
The new healthcare partnership’s vision for the future is one where:
- Patients will wait less time to be diagnosed and treated, and they will have the same high-quality experience and outcomes, regardless of who they are or where they live.
- We will meet rising demand by maximising the use of our available resources.
- More care will be delivered nearer to patients; in their homes or the community.
- Digital technologies will have transformed the way we work and the way we deliver care.
- Our people will feel engaged, energised and empowered by their work.
- We will be known as a place where people enjoy working, training and building a career.
- Our volume of globally renowned research and innovation will have grown significantly.
- We will contribute to system financial balance.
As anchor institutions in the wider community, in partnership, the two Trusts will deliver their healthcare vision in part through their Joint Clinical Strategy, published in March 2024. Developed by clinicians from across both Trusts, the strategy aims to break down barriers that can cause delays, duplication, confusion and health inequality, ensuring care is consistent, connected and of the highest possible standard, wherever it’s delivered.
Ingrid Barker, Group Chair said:
“The formation of Bristol NHS Group is a key milestone in our mission to transform healthcare for the communities we serve.
“Our vision is to deliver seamless, high-quality, and equitable care for everyone who needs it, not built around organisational boundaries but instead focused firmly on patients and their loved ones.”
Maria Kane, Group Chief Executive said:
“Bristol NHS Group is focused on what matters most: delivering outstanding care, reducing health inequities, strengthening communities, and offering fulfilling careers for our people.
“Together, we will confront shared challenges, modernise services, and learn from each other. By aligning our strengths, sharing expertise, and removing unnecessary duplication, we’ll make sure every patient — wherever they live, and whichever hospital they visit - receives consistently excellent care.”