GWENT'S five Local Health Boards will be replaced by a single such body from April 2009 under major NHS reorganisation plans announced by health minister Edwina Hart.

As exclusively predicted in the Argus several weeks ago, Ms Hart proposes to slash the number of LHBs in Wales - which took over the commissioning of health services from health authorities just five years ago - from 22 to just eight.

As part of the plan, which is subject to three months' public consultation, Newport, Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly and Monmouthshire LHBs will be replaced by a single Gwent LHB.

The plans are part of a bigger reorganisation designed to end the NHS internal market in Wales, a move that will widen differences with the health service in England.

Health service would be provided from the Assembly or an NHS Board for Wales directly to NHS trusts and Local Health Boards.

There are three options for establishing a Board for Wales - a Special Health Authority, a Civil Service Board, or an Advisory Board supporting an Assembly NHS Chief Executive.