Winners: Civic & Community Impact Award 2026

We were truly honoured to receive the Civic and Community Impact Award at the 10th Bristol Life Awards.

The Bristol Clamshell Thoracotomy Course is delivered by a group of doctors and nurses who, alongside their full-time roles in the NHS, volunteer their time to train fellow clinicians in the management of life-threatening chest injuries—often resulting from knife crime.

Knife crime remains a devastating reality in Bristol and across the UK, frequently affecting young people with their whole lives ahead of them. In these rare but critical situations, outcomes depend on rapid decision-making, technical skill, and effective teamwork. Our mission is to ensure that frontline clinicians are equipped with the skills, confidence, and coordination required to deliver life-saving care when it matters most.

This work would not be possible without the commitment of over 20 senior NHS clinicians from across the region, who generously give their time and expertise. We are incredibly grateful for their dedication.

We are also thankful to the Bristol Life Awards for recognising this collective effort, and we extend our congratulations to all of the other nominees and winners.