PROPOSALS for new hospitals in Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent are safe under new Health and Social Services Minister Dr Brian Gibbons, he said yesterday.

But the Irish GP, appointed on Monday in the wake of former health and social services minister Jane Hutt's removal from her post, was quickly criticised for defending his predecessor and indicating his approach would be a continuation of the status quo.

Outlining his priorities less than 24 hours into his new role, Dr Gibbons said: "I want to continue to improve the health of people in Wales, fight the inequalities that exist in the NHS across Wales and the UK and improve patients' experience when dealing with the health service.

"This includes improving patients access to the NHS and waiting times."

Of a £100m proposal for a new hospital in Ystrad Mynach near Caerphilly, to serve people in the Blackwood area, and another £35m plan for a hospital on part of the former Corus steelworks site in Ebbw Vale, Dr Gibbons said: "I know of some specific proposals currently on the table through various AMs who have talked to me.

"Nothing in my early plans necessitates me radically revisiting those proposals."

Dr Gibbons praised the "herculean" efforts of the former health minister and said: "Jane Hutt's passion, commitment and strategic vision has put in place the fundamentals for a first class health service - my challenge is to exploit that potential."

Mrs Hutt came under massive pressure during her five-year tenure because increased investments had little impact on spiralling waiting lists.

Dr Gibbons is understood to be looking for a period of consolidation and stability within the troubled portfolio and indicated his policy could be dictated by a 'more of the same' approach.

He said: "The NHS won't be improved if patients are seen very quickly, but treated badly, like cows in a cattle market.

"A one dimensional service is no good to anybody."

Leader of the opposition Ieuan Wyn Jones said: "Dr Gibbons has thrown away any chance he had of a honeymoon period by not stating any intention to review a failed policy.

"We've always made it clear that a change in personality would not be enough - what is required is a proper strategy to reduce Welsh waiting lists as previously seen in England."