A DECISION on whether to provide almost £6 million to make a reality the dream of a world class centre for disabled children in south Gwent will be made at the Assembly next week.

Upon it rests the fate of the Sparkle Appeal and a facility designed to give thousands of youngsters the chance to fulfil their potential. Health reporter ANDY RUTHERFORD examines what is at stake.

THE quest to give more than 1,200 disabled youngsters in south Gwent - and their families - the world class facility they deserve, reaches a critical stage next week.

On Thursday September 20 the Assembly's Capital Investment Board will decide whether or not to approve a bid of more than £5.8m for the South Gwent Children's centre project, at High Cross, Newport.

A "yes" will pave the way for completion of a unit where children with disabilities and developmental problems can get the therapies and support they require in a purpose-built, surroundings.

A "no" could consign these children, future generations who might need specialist help, and those who must care for them, to stamina- and spirit-sapping rounds of visits to existing facilities that are just not built or equipped to meet their needs.

Really, it is as simple as that.

Hopes and dreams for a centre and a better way of helping these children - first expressed by parents and therapists 16 years ago, recognised by Gwent Healthcare Trust in 1999, given impetus and viability by the extraordinary gift of a site, and the fundraising efforts of thousands of people through the Sparkle Appeal - are likely to stand or fall on the board's decision.

But the NHS in Wales, like the service across the UK, is experiencing tough financial times.

Despite big increases in funding for capital projects - more than £309m a year - the budget is over-subscribed and financial belts are being tightened.

Tantalisingly close to realisation as this dream is, it could be dashed if the board decides it cannot approve the funding.

Yet here is a project that meets all the criteria for creating a world class NHS for Welsh patients, a goal achievable by 2015, according to Designed For Life, the current 10-year Assembly blueprint.

It proposes bringing together under one roof all the specialities these children need to help them overcome or cope with a wide range of disablities - from cerebral palsy to visual hearing and speech difficulties, arthritis and respiratory problems.

It would minimise the need for parents or carers to take youngsters to appointments at several different, often inadequately equipped buildings, such as Eveswell and Clytha clinics in Newport.

Parents of disabled children have voiced their concern over the poor state of clinics and other health facilities in south Gwent since 1991.

Gwent Healthcare Trust identified the need to replace Eveswell in 1999.

Among other problems, there is virtually no onsite parking, many of the clinic's rooms are too small and cannot be adapted for different uses, and there is no dedicated changing room for the hydrotherapy pool.

Government funding for a new facility was not a viable option back then, with too many demands on a limited pot of money.

The charitable appeal route was pursued, boosted by the gift from Newbridge Estates of a site, at High Cross, in 2001.

Eighteen months ago, the Assembly budget for health buildings boosted, a bid was submitted by the trust for money to build and equip what will be known as the South Gwent Children's Centre.

Though several hundred pounds has been raised through the Sparkle Appeal, thanks to the generosity and energy of countless individuals and organisations in Gwent, the road of charitable funding is a long, hard one.

The gift of the site has also been dependent on the centre being built before a housing development on another sector.

So the shell of the building is now complete.

The Assembly is being asked to pay for the building and equipment for its core functions.

The Sparkle Appeal focus is on providing extras, in terms of equipment and environment, to give the centre a strong family element.

If the Capital Investment Board's answer on Thursday week is "no" the developers, who have built the centre shell, may have to try to claw back their investment by finding an alternative use for the building.

If that happens, a golden opportunity to provide a better future for children who need more help than those more unfortunate, might be lost for good.