The ward is scheduled to reopen in December

A Lister ward will receive a £1m investment to become a dedicated gynaecology centre it was announced today.

Just days after a £19m project to build a new A&E department at the Stevenage hospital was given government approval, the East and North Herts NHS Trust board has approved the redevelopment of Ward 7A to become the trust’s inpatient gynaecology centre. Work will start this month on the ward which is scheduled to receive patients in mid-December.

The new ward will house 29 dedicated gynaecology beds, an early pregnancy unit including ultrasound, gynaecology emergency unit and ambulatory care service.

Alasdair Drake, lead consultant gynaecologist for the project, said: “The board’s decision to back our plans is really great news for our patients, who will be getting great new facilities in which to receive their care. Our aim is to create one of the best – and certainly most modern – services available anywhere in the East of England, which we know will help us recruit and retain highly experienced staff to help us realise that ambition.”