Lister Hospital

09/01/2026

Congratulations to DAISY Award winner Community Midwife Lauren Kelly! 🏆

Lauren has been recognised with a DAISY Award for her exceptional empathy, calm leadership, and person‑centred care.

Nominated by a patient living with depression, anxiety and PTSD, Lauren’s support began from the very first encounter. She gave time and space to talk, listened without judgement, and shaped care around the patient’s emotional and psychological needs, always professional, always warm, and often with a touch of humour that lightened difficult days.

Working closely with the mental health team led by Anna Matthews (who helped train Lauren earlier in her career), Lauren removed unnecessary stress throughout pregnancy. She was accessible by text, responded thoughtfully, and balanced clear boundaries with genuine compassion, making the patient feel seen, safe and supported.

“There was no patronising tone, only calm, warm professionalism. Lauren’s positivity and respect helped me feel safe.”

Lauren’s impact was felt in countless small, thoughtful actions: adjusting shifts to be present for the elective C‑section; recognising silent panic; swapping an oxygen mask for a nasal cannula so mum could see and hold her daughter; returning after her shift to check in; and completing the new-born exam because she knew it would ease anxiety. Each gesture met both clinical and emotional needs and together, they transformed the experience.

“It wasn’t one heroic act. It was quiet strength, kindness, and professional foresight, every small action adding up to something profound.”

Lauren embodies the trust values, Include, Respect, Improve and models excellence across leadership, shared decision‑making, wellbeing, safety and quality, and professional development. She shows what extraordinary human connection looks like in healthcare: always the midwife, always in control, and deeply caring.

Thank you, Lauren, for the comfort, dignity and outstanding care you provide every day. 💙

Know someone who deserves recognition? Nominate a staff member for a DAISY Award on our website: https://www.enherts-tr.nhs.uk/patient-visitors/daisy-award/

09/01/2026

Public consultation on proposals affecting Mount Vernon Cancer Centre (MVCC) - 19 January to 29 March

The consultation will seek views on relocating MVCC to a new, purpose‑built centre. The proposed relocation would ensure direct access to the clinical support facilities needed to deliver the most modern and innovative cancer treatments - which aren't currently possible at MVCC.

Proposals also include expanding chemotherapy in local hospitals and at home, and importantly for east and north Herts residents, an option for a second radiotherapy unit in either Stevenage or Luton.

Find out more here 👇

Plans to secure the future of specialist cancer services for more than two million people in the East of England and beyond have moved a step closer, with agreement on how to fund the capital for a new cancer centre paving the way for a public consultation later this month. Between 19 January 2026 a...

08/01/2026

Carers – you’re at greater risk of getting flu this winter! 🤧

Flu isn’t just a bad cold, and if you’re looking after someone, getting your free flu jab could protect you and the person you care for 💪❤️

Find out why it matters and how to get vaccinated ➡️

Reports from one of Australia’s toughest flu seasons in recent years have warned of soaring cases and increased hospital pressure – signalling that the UK could face a severe outbreak this winter. This winter, we spoke to Dr Kolade Daodu, a GP Partner and Trainer at Shephall Health Centre about ...

06/01/2026

Congratulations to Midwife and DAISY Award winner Katie Foscoe! 🏆

Katie has been recognised with a DAISY Award for her outstanding compassion, calm leadership, and commitment to family-centred care.

Nominated by a grateful patient who delivered DCDA twins at 37 weeks, Katie’s support began from the very first moments of labour. Her enthusiasm and positivity were infectious, and even when her shift ended, she kept the family fully informed and promised to return, and she did.

Over a long night, with several necessary pivots, catheter, monitoring for Twin A, an epidural, and an oxytocin drip, Katie made sure every option was explained and every concern answered. Working alongside Emily, Student Midwife, she created a space that felt calm, zen and magic: pillows fluffed, night lights dimmed, refreshments to hand and even a peppermint tea and a nap to help mum recharge before the final push.

“At no point did we have to ask what was going on, Katie explained everything. Her positivity never faltered and her energy never left, even in the middle of the night.”

When it was time to meet their babies, Katie guided every breath and push, offering clear, confident coaching, so much so that both twins arrived just 29 minutes apart, with very little fuss or stress.

“Katie claimed it was all me, but without her overflowing passion and amazing skill set, I could have easily failed at the last hurdle. I had complete faith in her ability to deliver our two babies safely, and she did.”

From moment-to-moment advocacy to the calm, controlled environment she led, Katie turned an already special day into something unforgettable. The family shared that their entire experience, across more than eight months, was wonderful, and that Katie’s care was a particular highlight.

Thank you for the outstanding care you provide every day Katie and for the comfort and confidence you gave this family as they welcomed their twins. 💙

You can nominate a staff member for a DAISY Award on our website: https://www.enherts-tr.nhs.uk/patient-visitors/daisy-award/

06/01/2026

❄️ With icy conditions across our area, we’re asking everyone visiting our hospitals to take extra care over the coming days.

Slips and trips are much more common in winter, and a few simple precautions can make a big difference.

If you’re visiting our hospitals🏥:
• Please take care in car parks and on footpaths, even gritted areas can still be slippery.
• Use handrails and walkways where available.
• Wear suitable footwear for the conditions.
• If you need help getting around, just speak to a member of our team.

Let’s stay safe this winter.

02/01/2026

Lister Hospital A&E is extremely busy, please think NHS 111 first or visit one of our Urgent Treatment Centres (UTC) 🚨
Open until 10pm every day, our UTCs at both Lister and New QEII Hospital can treat:

🤕 Minor injury or illness
🩹 A bite, sting, cut, or bruise
🌡️ A burn or scald
👃 Objects in ears or noses
🦴 Suspected fractures or broken bones

📍 Lister UTC: www.enherts-tr.nhs.uk/services/urgent-treatment-centre-lister-hospital
📍 New QEII UTC: www.enherts-tr.nhs.uk/services/urgent-treatment-centre/

*Please note, the last admission at the Lister UTC is 8pm 🚫

01/01/2026

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year full of hope, happiness and good health! 💙

A huge thank you to all NHS staff working to keep patients and our local community safe and well 🏥

30/12/2025

Are you due to give birth in January or February 2026?

Take part in the NHS to help us understand what works well and what needs improvement.

We would love to hear your feedback.

Look out for your invitation in the post or by SMS from 20 April 2026.

Find out more: https://www.cqc.org.uk/news/tell-us-what-maternity-care-you-2026

29/12/2025

It's been a busy December at the Lister Diamond Jubilee Maternity Unit, with hundreds of babies born ahead of Christmas 🎄

No more so than during Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, where our dedicated colleagues worked around the clock – much like Santa Claus – to safely deliver 17 adorable new arrivals, supporting families at one of the most memorable moments of their lives 💙

A huge congratulations to all of our parents who welcomed babies into the world this year! 👶

And if you are expecting a little one in 2026, we look forward to being part of your special journey! 🤗

https://www.enherts-tr.nhs.uk/news/christmas-babies-2025

25/12/2025

Thank you to all our incredible staff working at Lister Hospital today.

Adam and Justin visited the site this morning to meet teams across our wards and departments, and to thank colleagues spending Christmas Day caring for our patients 💙

25/12/2025

Merry Christmas to our staff, patients and visitors 🎄🎅

We wish everyone a happy and safe holiday, and a big thank you to all those working during the festive period!

24/12/2025

This year, we dealt with 5,039* emergency theatre cases where every second counted.

Skilled teams working to deliver lifesaving care when it matters most.

*Data accurate as of 16 December 2025