Our impact What we fund What we fund For over 50 years, we’ve been making a meaningful difference, improving the health and happiness of millions of patients across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. Working closely with NHS staff, we see where the need is greatest and we respond, investing millions every year into your 13 hospitals across the region, from Southmead Hospital to Bristol Royal Infirmary and Weston General Hospital. Our funding focuses on four priority areas that make deep and transformative change, while bringing moments of joy, comfort, and hope to those who need it most. We enable healthcare for all We support older care We create healing environments We innovate for change Together, we do great things. WE ENABLE HEALTHCARE FOR ALL We know that not everyone has equal access to healthcare, and many people face barriers to getting the care they need. We’re working to change that. We fund projects that reduce health inequalities and ensure everyone receives the best possible care for their individual needs. In the past two years, we’ve invested nearly £800,000 in initiatives tackling inequality, including projects such as: Funding a free hospital shuttle bus to improve access to our hospitals. Providing period products in A&E for those are not equipped with appropriate sanitary products. Peer support groups and activities to benefit 16-24 year olds with cancer. Funding a cardiac psychologist role to support patients with inherited cardiac conditions (ICC). But more must be done, especially for young people moving into adult care, people with learning disabilities and neurodiverse conditions, and those accessing mental health and maternity services. SENSORY BAGS SOOTHE AND CALM PATIENTS The sensory bags funded at the children's hospital help reduce anxiety and distress in patients with additional needs. “I can’t begin to explain what a difference the sensory bag has made for Thea." "From overwhelmed and withdrawn to smiling and calm, the bag helped her feel genuinely cared for while facing a huge life change after her diagnosis.” Karen, mum of patient Thea END OF LIFE CARE VOLUNTEERS BRING COMFORT AND COMPANIONSHIP “For those at the end of their life without visitors, the companionship eases loneliness; for families, practical help and a neutral listener can bring comfort, even if it’s just sitting with their loved one while they rest.” End of Life Care Volunteer WE SUPPORT OLDER PEOPLE Did you know that nearly two thirds of the patients in your hospitals are aged over 65, and 40% of people over 75 accessing hospital services are likely to have cognitive problems or dementia? We fund projects that that not only transform their experience within your hospitals, but also help to support rehabilitation, enhance comfort and dignity, reduce anxiety and distress, and improve engagement with loved ones and NHS staff. We provide programmes to help people stay mobile and active for longer, dementia-friendly spaces, and meaningful activities that improve overall wellbeing. Projects we’ve funded include: Rehabilitation equipment such as the Sara Stedy specialist mobility aid. Reminiscence and Interactive Therapy Activities (RITA) Devices help keep older patients physically and mentally stimulated. Dementia clocks help reduce anxiety and disorientation, while reminding patients to drink water. A Vascular Access Ultrasound Machine aids cannulation by detecting veins that can be hidden in ageing skin. Your support makes a real difference, and together, we can achieve even more. DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY GARDENING BRINGS JOY Gardening sessions and activities bring joy, comfort and hope to patients with dementia. “Physiotherapists were amazed to see patient Patricia walk around the new garden after weeks of struggling to leave her bed. Patient, Shirley, has communication difficulties, but after a few sessions was reminiscing about memories in her grandad’s garden.” Linda Hodgkinson, Dementia/delirium falls team IMPROVED EXPERIENCE FOR OLDER PATIENTS Improvements to elderly-care wards and funding an enhanced care observation matron at the Bristol Royal Infirmary has created safer, more supportive environments for older patients. The funding has helped reduced anxiety in patients, decrease falls by 39% and reduced incidents of violence and aggression by 45% in dementia patients. WE CREATE HEALING ENVIRONMENTS The hospital environment plays an important role in how people feel, and how they recover. It can influence the healing process, reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing. We fund improvements that transform clinical spaces into calm, welcoming and therapeutic environments. From sensory design and artwork to calming lighting and green spaces, we help create places that support healing and recovery. We also support vibrant arts programmes, which brings holistic healing in the form of music, dance, creativity and nature into clinical settings, creating moments of joy for any length of stay in hospital. Some of the projects we’ve funded include: More comfortable, reclining chemotherapy chairs at BHOC, Weston and South Bristol hospitals. Improved bereavement spaces and transitional wards bring comfort to mothers at St Michael's Hospital. Artwork to ease anxiety for patients going into surgery at Bristol Dental Hospital. A life-changing clinical research facility at the children’s hospital. BRINGING COMFORT TO WARDS AT BHOC “Cancer journeys can be long and difficult. I remember one patient spent a year on this ward and just wished for something to brighten their day. It’s so important that these spaces are light, warm and welcoming for all our patients, their families and our staff.” THE POWER OF ART AND MUSIC “There are not enough words for how fantastic the music sessions are and what a difference they make to the patients on the ward.” “We’ve noticed that art activities tend to soothe patients who have been unsettled, wandering or looking for comfort and attention” WE INNOVATE FOR CHANGE Innovation is crucial for the future of healthcare. We fund cutting-edge technologies, the latest treatments and pioneering research, giving patients access to life-changing care that goes above and beyond what the NHS can provide. Working closely with your local NHS, we also help develop new ways of working that will transform patient care and shape the future of healthcare. Projects we’ve funded include: A new innovative plasma jet provides treatment for women with cervical cancer. Life-saving impella devices for critically unwell cardiac patients. Ground-breaking new research into a new method for prostate cancer diagnosis Cutting-edge swallowing evaluation equipment to access babies and children By investing in innovation, we’re helping your hospitals continue to deliver world-class care to you and your loved ones. PIONEERING HEART VALVE TECHNOLOGY SAVES LIVES The Ozaki heart valve procedure involves using a patient’s own tissue to create a new valve. It has reduced operations and waiting times, reduced risk of blood clots, and improved survival rates. "This new and exciting development in valve surgery could not have been possible without the generous help of the charity" Professor Massimo Caputo, Bristol Heart Institute 4D SCANNERS IMPROVE OUTCOMES FOR BABIES The new 4D scanners are used to operate on babies still in the womb which enables quicker diagnosis and life-changing procedures of complex fetal problems. "I am absolutely delighted that the amazing fundraising efforts have meant that we have been able to buy not one but two superb ultrasound machines." Dr Tim Overton, St Michael's Hospital HELP US DO MORE FOR YOUR HOSPITALS Every life improved. Every patient supported. Every breakthrough made possible. All because of people like you. Together, we can create lasting change across our communities and ensure your hospitals continue to deliver exceptional care when it’s needed most. Whether you’d like to make a donation, fundraise, leave a gift in your will, explore a corporate partnership, or apply for funding as an NHS staff member—you can be part of the future of healthcare. HAVE A QUESTION? WE'RE HERE TO HELP ☺️ If you have any questions about donating, fundraising or any other queries, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team. > Email us at [email protected] > Call us on 0117 927 7120 Manage Cookie Preferences