A HOSPITAL tower block is visible for the first time since 2001 after the final pieces of scaffolding that have been in place for the last five years were removed. This follows a £2.5 million scheme which saw the exterior tiling facade clad in white metal

A HOSPITAL tower block is visible for the first time since 2001 after the final pieces of scaffolding that have been in place for the last five years were removed.

This follows a £2.5 million scheme which saw the exterior tiling facade clad in white metal sheets to prevent loose tiles from falling off.

East and North Herts NHS Trust chief executive Nick Carver said: "The Lister tower block is one of Stevenage's more noticeable landmarks, especially for those travelling up and down the nearby A1.

"For years it has been obscured in scaffolding and netting, but this began being removed from last July.

"Now the hospital's tower block looks brighter and better and is a sign of long-overdue investment into Hertfordshire's health services which will include the new surgicentre to be built at the Lister by 2007/08.