BFT has been shortlisted in the following categories:
- Trust of the Year: Our former North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT), which is now part of BFT, has been recognised through a shortlist place in the HSJ Trust of the Year category. This recognition reflects the dedication, innovation and compassion of colleagues across the organisation and is an achievement we can all be proud of as we continue to build BFT together.
- NHS Communications Initiative of the Year Award: We’ve been shortlisted, alongside Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire (SWAG) Cancer Alliance which we host, Bristol Rovers Football Club and Bristol Rovers Community Trust for The John Green Campaign for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. The initiative held in March, sought to raise awareness of prostate cancer risk, increase knowledge among male football supporters and their families, encourage early detection and connect our community to local resources.
- Driving Efficiency Through Technology: Our Resourcing Team for their work using Robotic Process Automation in NHS recruitment, is shortlisted in this category. This innovative approach has streamlined processes, reduced administrative burden and enabled recruiters to focus more time on supporting people throughout the recruitment journey.
- Medicines, Pharmacy and Prescribing Initiative of the Year: BFT has been shortlisted jointly with Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board for the specialist-led stoma prescribing model. This initiative has improved patient care while reducing unnecessary prescribing, hospital attendances and avoidable waste.
The recognition comes just weeks after the creation of Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, bringing together the former North Bristol NHS Trust and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust into a single organisation focused on delivering seamless, high-quality care for patients across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire and beyond. The Trust was formally established on 1 July 2026.
The shortlisted entries showcase the breadth of innovation, improvement and collaboration taking place across the organisation, reflecting the dedication of colleagues working every day to improve outcomes, reduce inequalities and deliver the best possible care for patients.
Maria Kane, Chief Executive of Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Being shortlisted for four HSJ Awards is a tremendous achievement and a reflection of the talent, commitment and compassion of our colleagues.
“These nominations recognise the difference our teams make every day, whether through improving services, embracing innovation or working in partnership to deliver better outcomes for our patients and communities.
“As a newly formed organisation, it's particularly fitting that national recognition is being given to work that demonstrates what can be achieved when talented people come together behind a shared purpose. I am incredibly proud of everyone involved.”
The finalists were selected following a rigorous judging process involving senior leaders and experts from across the health and care sector.
The selected winners will be announced during an awards ceremony at Evolution London on 19 November 2026.