A major new fundraising campaign has been launched to help create a "state-of-the-art" children's unit at Lister Hospital.

East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals' Charity has unveiled its Children's Big Build appeal, aiming to raise £2 million to enhance a brand-new, purpose-built facility for children and young people.

The wider project is already backed by £11 million secured by East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust, which will fund construction of a two-storey building. The new unit will include 20 inpatient beds, 14 consulting rooms, and dedicated clinical assessment and care spaces.

The charity's appeal will focus on transforming the building into a more welcoming, child-friendly environment, with features designed to support both patients and their families.

Plans include:

• Dedicated play areas for younger children
• A recreation room for older patients to socialise
• Comfortable family lounges and overnight accommodation
• Specialist protected play spaces for children undergoing cancer treatment or living with weakened immune systems
• Outdoor areas to encourage fresh air and movement
• Modern digital and interactive facilities to future-proof care

Eloise Huddleston, director of East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals' Charity, said the appeal represents a major opportunity for the local community.

She said: "This is a very exciting time for the trust and the charity. With the core funding secured, we have this great opportunity to make this something truly exceptional – a unit built for the future of children's healthcare.

"We have an amazing, supportive local community who we know will want to get behind this campaign so we can make this unit the best it can be for poorly children."

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The charity, which also supports services at the New QEII Hospital, Hertford County Hospital and Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, is calling on residents, businesses and community groups across North Hertfordshire to get involved.

People can donate directly, take part in organised fundraising events, or even host their own activities, with support offered by the charity's team.

Businesses are also being encouraged to contribute to the appeal as part of the wider community effort to enhance care for young patients across the area.

For more information or to get involved, visit the charity's website or contact the team directly.