News / Health

NHS trusts confirm merger

By Susie Long  Tuesday Mar 3, 2026

Two NHS trusts have confirmed their plans to merge in attempts to “break down barriers” for the organisations.

The North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) say they are now actively pursuing a merger, plans of which have been in the works for a number of years.

Health bosses say they are working in a “new, more joined up way” following the formation of the Bristol NHS Group.

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The merger will see the trusts form one unified organisation of more than 28,000 staff, which the Bristol NHS Group say will give them the “scale, influence and expertise to transform the way healthcare is delivered locally.”

Maria Kane, the chief executive of the Bristol NHS Group, said: “This update builds on the momentum from joining up services across our hospitals to date, and I’m incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made so far.

“We know that to make our vision a reality we need to work hand‑in‑hand with our partners and communities.

“Their insight sits at the heart of this strategy, and their continued involvement will be essential in delivering real and meaningful change.”

Main photo: Betty Woolerton

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