Bristol NHS Foundation Trust

14/10/2026

Need to cool down this Burns Awareness Day?

Seems like Joe Sims needed a cool down after speaking to our Burns consultant, Chris Wearn, on BBC Bristol this morning. Chris discussed all things 'Emergency 24/7' and left us with the best tips for treating burns at home.

Cool, Call and Cover.

Cool the burn, Call 111 for advice and Cover the burn with something non-fluffy like clingfilm.

You can watch Chris' video to hear about how the Bristol Burns Service look after burn injuries every day

Listen back to BBC Radio Bristol with the link below 👇

14/10/2026

Our underground car park at St Michael's Hospital is currently temporarily closed for maintenance works.

Please use alternative parking nearby if attending by car.

You can find details of parking in the area on our website, link in comments below.👇

13/10/2026

Our children’s services are currently busier than normal.
Consider whether your GP or pharmacist might the best place for the treatment you need.
If you’re unsure what service is right for you or your child, please call NHS 111 or use the HANDi app.
Our Handi app provides advice and support when your child is unwell: https://bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk/nhs-apps/handi-app/

Is your child poorly or unwell?

If it’s not a life-threatening situation, consider whether your GP or pharmacist could be the best place for the treatment you need.
If you’re unsure what service is right for you or your child, please call NHS 111 or use the HANDi app.
Our Handi app provides advice and support when your child is unwell.
Download the HANDi App: https://bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk/nhs-apps/handi-app/

13/10/2026

🚑 You've watched our Emergency Department team in the BBC documentary - but have you wondered about how research happens in such a high pressure environment?

When Lewis, a vet from Bristol, set out on a climbing expedition in the Wye Valley in August, he never imagined that a serious fall would not only land him in Southmead Hospital NHS's Emergency Department but also lead to him taking part in a major national study aiming to improve care for patients with chest injuries.

Research participation is usually based on informed consent - but how do you get informed consent when patients are too unwell, injured or medicated to make decisions about taking part?

In these situations, studies can use a process known as deferred consent. Patients are enrolled only when strict safeguards are met, and are then asked for their informed consent once they have recovered sufficiently to make that decision.

If a patient later decides not to take part, their data isn’t used and they continue to receive standard care.

Lewis took part in the CoMiT-ED 2 study, which is testing whether a less invasive chest drain with a smaller tube is better than traditional drains with larger tubes that require surgery to insert.

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust (BFT) Emergency Medicine Consultant Dr Edd Carlton – who was in BBC Two’s recent Emergency 24/7 documentary – leads this national project. He said:

"Every improvement in emergency care starts with research. Patients like Lewis make it possible for us to find better ways to treat people in some of the most critical moments of their lives."

Thank you to patients like Lewis who make research in these tricky situations possible 💙

https://www.bristolft.nhs.uk/about-us/news-and-media/newsroom/2026/climbing-fall-clinical-trial-lewiss-unexpected-role-emergency-research

12/10/2026

Got something to say about digital healthcare?

We're inviting young people and families to share your thoughts, experiences and ideas about digital healthcare across Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and our partner organisations.

Whether you've used online appointments, patient portals, apps, text messaging services or other digital tools, we'd like to hear from you. ❤

Tell us what's working well, what could be improved, and what you'd like to see in the future.

📅 Wednesday 11 November 2026
⏰ 4.45pm to 6.00pm
💻 Online via Microsoft Teams

To register or find out more, please email [email protected]

09/10/2026

Thanks to Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity our sites will be going pink and blue for Baby Loss Awareness Week from this evening through to next Thursday to show our support to everyone affected by pregnancy or baby loss. 🩷 💙

Every evening between 7-11pm from the 9th to 15th October, your hospitals will be shining pink and blue lights into the sky for all the families who have experienced pregnancy and baby loss.

08/10/2026

Play in Hospital Week at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children 🏥🙌

This year, our Play Team have been bringing the theme of “Bristol” to life with a week packed full of fun, creative activities for patients, families and visitors.

There was a visit from Bristol icons Wallace and Gromit thanks to Wallace & Gromit's Grand Appeal, graffiti and balloon themed days full of arts and crafts, a sports day and tomorrow, we’ll be finishing the week with a swashbuckling pirate day!

We've also had a visit from Polly the PAT dog🐾

Play in Hospital Week is a national annual awareness week highlighting the importance of play for children in hospitals.

Play can help children and young people feel more comfortable, reduce anxiety, support their wellbeing and development, and has an important role in aiding recovery 💙

08/10/2026

On Friday 9 October, our members will receive their ballot papers via post to vote in our Council of Governor elections.

Our governors play an important role in ensuring that the views and interests of the communities we serve, the patients we care for, and the staff we employ are considered when decisions are made about the Trust’s future. Elections are your chance to help shape this process by choosing who you want to represent you and your community.

Return your ballot by 29 October and help shape the future of our Trust!

07/10/2026

Celebrating One Year of the Community Participation Group 🎉

As we reflect on the Community Participation Group's first year, we'd like to thank our members for their commitment and passion for improving health and care services across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

Over the past year, CPG members have brought invaluable lived experience, community insight and voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) perspectives to conversations about service development and improvement. Their involvement has helped ensure community voices remain at the heart of decision-making and continue to shape how we work with and for our communities.

The group plays a vital role in strengthening connections between communities and the health and care system, ensuring a diverse range of experiences and perspectives are heard, valued and acted upon. Through their involvement, members have had opportunities to build relationships, share experiences and connect with others from different communities and backgrounds.

Thank you to all our members for their dedication over the past year. We look forward to continuing to work together to improve health and care services for our communities. ❤

Learn more about our Community Participation Group on our website: https://www.bristolft.nhs.uk/about-us/get-involved/community-participation-group

07/10/2026

We’re recruiting for a Chief Strategy, Digital, and Partnerships Officer who can help future-proof our organisation and position the Trust for long-term success amidst an ever-evolving health and care landscape. They’ll also play a key role in supporting transformation, realising our strategic ambitions, and driving forward innovation and improvements that benefit our patients and populations.

Full details can be found on NHS Jobs – applications are open until 25 October.