PATIENTS and public have the chance to air their views on ambitious plans to modernise Gwent hospital services at a series of public meetings beginning later this month.

Proposals arising from a project called Clinical Futures will sweep away the current district general hospital-based system, replacing it with a single Specialist and Critical Care Centre (SCCC), supported by a network of Local General Hospitals.

The aim is to bring services closer to patients, with greater separation of emergency and routine cases.

Public meetings on the proposals will take place as follows: Blaenau Gwent: Thursday October 19, Ebbw Vale College; Thursday October 26, Nantyglo comprehensive school; Tuesday November 14, Tredegar comprehensive school; Thursday November 16, Abertillery comprehensive school. All start at 6.30pm.

Caerphilly: Wednesday November 8, St Margaret's Business Centre, Aberbargoed; Friday November 10, Twyn Centre, Caerphilly; Wednesday November 15, Newbridge comprehnsiove school. All start at 6.30pm.

Monmouthshire: Tuesday October 17, Chepstow comprehensive school; Wednesday November 1, Priory Centre, Abergavenny; Tuesday November 7, Monmouth leisure centre. All start at 6pm.

Newport: Tuesday November 7, Alway community centre; Tuesday November 21, Gaer community centre. Both start at 6.30pm.

Torfaen: Tuesday October 17, Torfaen People's Centre, Pontypool; Tuesday November 7, Blaenavon Workmen's Hall; Wednesday November 8, Henllys Suite, Cwmbran Stadium. Start at 6pm, except stadium (2pm).

Further details are available at www.clinicalfuturesgwent.wales.nhs.uk