THE East and North Herts NHS Trust has submitted an outline planning application to transform the Lister Hospital in Stevenage. The redevelopment will include incorporating the QE2 Hospital's major services, such as A&E and maternity. Meanwhile, a deal ov

THE East and North Herts NHS Trust has submitted an outline planning application to transform the Lister Hospital in Stevenage.

The redevelopment will include incorporating the QE2 Hospital's major services, such as A&E and maternity.

Meanwhile, a deal over the Lister's new surgicentre - subject to a separate planning application - is also "imminent".

A contract is expected to be signed in the coming weeks for private sector provider Clinicenta to build the facility.

Trust chief executive Nick Carver said: "This is an exciting development as it sets out what's in store for everyone with an interest in the transformation of the Lister to become the major acute hospital for those living, working and visiting east and north Hertford-shire, as well as parts of Bedfordshire.

"The plan, which covers the expansion of our maternity services, the creation of a multi-storey car park, consolidated emergency services and the building of a new main south block, will see over �100m being invested in upgraded and new facilities at the hospital."

Mr Carver said: "We expect work on some of these projects, including maternity services and the car park, to begin later this year.

"Subject to imminent agreement being reached with our private sector provider Clinicenta, building of our new surgicentre could start within weeks.

"Between them, these three projects alone will begin transforming the Lister site."

The redevelopment is expected to be completed in 2015.

* What do you think about the grandiose plans for the Lister? Email your views to whtimes@archant.co.uk