The High Sheriff of Hertfordshire has visited Lister Hospital in Stevenage to see recent improvements to the hospital and learn about ambitious plans for a new children's unit.

Anna Rankin visited the hospital last week, meeting staff and hearing how East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals' Charity is helping to improve care for patients and their families.

During her visit, she met Martin Armstrong, chief executive of East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust, and the trust's chair, Anita Day.

The High Sheriff was shown the hospital's newly opened main entrance, which was made possible thanks to funding from commercial partners.

She also met Caroline Tyler, manager of the Lister Butterfly Volunteer Service, which supports patients nearing the end of their lives and their loved ones. The service is funded by the hospital's charity.

A key part of the visit was a tour of the Bluebell Children's Ward, where Anna heard about plans for a new children's unit.

The hospital's charity is currently fundraising through its Children's Big Build appeal to help transform the facility into a modern, welcoming and state-of-the-art environment designed around the needs of young patients and their families.

Anna also visited the Phoenix and SafeSpace rooms in the children's emergency department, which provide dedicated spaces for children with additional or complex needs. Both facilities were made possible through charitable donations.

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Speaking after her visit, Anna said: "I loved my visit to Lister Hospital and hearing the exciting plans for the new children's unit.

"It's brilliant that the NHS are collaborating with the charity sector and what a huge asset for the people of Hertfordshire."

Beth McNeil, head of fundraising for East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals' Charity, welcomed the visit.

She said: "It was wonderful to welcome the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire to Lister Hospital and show her the recent improvements and to show her some of the work that the charity does.

"She was keen to hear about our Children's Big Build appeal to transform the new children's unit and was delighted to hear from members of the paediatric team about the plans and how it will help them deliver even better care."

Lister Hospital provides hospital services for patients across North Hertfordshire, including Hitchin, as well as Stevenage and surrounding areas.

To find out more about the Children's Big Build appeal or to make a donation, visit www.enhhcharity.org.uk/bigbuild⁠.