FEARS HAVE been raised that plans for the new Specialist and Critical Care Centre (SCCC) in Gwent have been "kicked into the long grass".

David Davies MP recently called for clarity by the Welsh Government over the future of the proposed centre on the site of the former Llanfrechfa Grange Hospital near Cwmbran.

But the member for Monmouth said that a ‘jargon-filled’ letter from health secretary Vaughan Gething AM failed to supply answers and even suggested the £300m project may not go ahead.

Mr Davies MP, said: “All I’ve been told is that the proposal was examined over the summer. Unfortunately, there is a complete refusal to disclose further details as to what recommendations, if any, have been made.

“Since given the green light under a blaze of publicity just before the 2011 Welsh Assembly elections, nothing much has happened and we are none the wiser as to whether the new hospital will ever be built.”

The SCCC was first mooted in 2003. Plans were then pushed forward by the then-health minister Edwina Hart five years ago.

But in his letter, Mr Gething AM said: “Given the size and the significance of the SCCC investment, the proposal needs to evidence a robust case in terms of meeting the Welsh Government investment criteria in terms of health gain, clinical and skills sustainability, equity, affordability and value for money.

“An independent review was undertaken over the summer to consider the progress of the scrutiny process and, if appropriate, to identify any further actions that would best support the development of the overall Clinical Futures Service Strategy and the case for the SCCC.”

Mr Davies said he would be now be making Freedom of Information requests to find out what is delaying approval of Aneurin Bevan University Health Board’s final business case, which was submitted to the Welsh Government last October.

He added: “This ongoing secrecy and complete lack of transparency is a real cause for concern. Indeed, I get the feeling something important is being withheld.

“As the health secretary is unwilling to answer straightforward questions, I will have to resort to other means to try and find out what ministers are going to do to support the health needs of residents across Monmouthshire and the rest of South East Wales.”

Last month, the Argus reported how Mr Gething also told Torfaen AM Lynne Neagle he wants to be the last health minister to have to make a decision on the proposals.

He added: "I think this has gone through three previous health ministers - and it is absolutely my ambition to be the last health minister to have to make a decision on this so there is real certainty provided, and I recognise the sooner, the better."