THE first detailed images of what Gwent’s proposed Specialist and Critical Care Centre might look like have been issued by health bosses, ahead of an exhibition this week.

Already several years in the planning, and with development slowed by the economic downturn, the centre still requires planning permission and approval by the Welsh Government through the business case process.

But it remains the centrepiece of a long-term programme for modernising health services in Gwent, and Aneurin Bevan Health Board is giving anyone who is interested the opportunity this week to viewthe proposals and ask questions about them.

Proposed for the site of the former Llanfrechfa Grange Hospital, near Cwmbran, the Specialist and Critical Care Centre (SCCC) will enable specialist and emergency care to be separated from more routine hospital services.

The project’s delays have pushed back the proposed opening date, which is currently estimated for 2017/18, and the projected cost is £273 million.

The SCCC will have more than 400 beds, including high intensity coronary, critical care and stroke beds, more than 200 adult inpatient beds for complex surgery, with intensive care and high dependency back-up, more than 40 neo-natal cots, a 50-plus bedded maternity unit, and a paediatric unit, again with more than 50 beds.

These and other images will be available to view from tomorrow to Thursday, May 29 to 31, 5pm to 7pm, in the main recreation hall at Llanfrechfa Grange Hospital, and members of the SCCC project team will be there to outline the proposals and answer questions.

Information will also be published at www.aneurinbevanhb@ wales.nhs.uk and www. facebook.com/ AneurinBevanHealthBoard