Campaign launched: lets expand Lister Hospital parking

PRESS RELEASE FROM ALISTAIR STRATHERN MP

WEDNESDAY 3^rd JUNE 2026

 Alistair Strathern, MP for the Hitchin constituency, is calling for Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) and Stevenage Borough Council to work in partnership with the Lister Hospital to bring forward solutions to ongoing parking pressures affecting both patients and staff at the site.

He has launched a petition to generate momentum behind his campaign, with over 400 signatures already less than 48 hours after launching. The petition can be found here.

The ask comes following news of a £27 million funding boost for the Lister from the Government. This will enable delivery of vital new facilities including a state-of-the-art Children Centre and Renal unit, as well as crucial ward upgrades after the Hospital was left off the last Government’s upgrade programme.

However, many patients and staff have raised concerns about how hard it is to park at the site with Strathern. His office has received regular reports of late arrivals or missed appointments as a result of parking challenges, creating additional stress at what can be already difficult moments.

Limited physical space around the hospital continues to place strain on those attending appointments, visiting loved ones, or working long shifts. Strathern is calling on Hertfordshire County Council, Stevenage Borough council and the hospital trust, to begin exploring all viable options to alleviate parking pressures including utilising some of the council’s assets in the town.

Alistair Strathern MP said:

“The £27 million we have secured from Government to improve facilities at the Lister will make a real difference to patient care, right across the hospital.

“But we cannot ignore the everyday reality faced by staff and patients when it comes to parking. By working together, HCC, SBC and the Lister have an opportunity to find practical, deliverable solutions that ease pressure and improve access for everyone.

“Ensuring that patients can attend appointments without added stress, and that hardworking NHS staff can reliably access their workplace, must be a shared priority.

“That’s why I am urging our local councils to step up and do their bit in helping Lister tackle this shared challenge for our community.”