A NEW group was launched last night to improve people's health in one of Wales' most deprived areas.

Trevethin and District Health Watch, the only scheme of its kind in Torfaen, aims to combat the effects of poverty in the ward, said in a recent study to be the 27th most deprived out of 865 in Wales.

The 1991 census noted that 61.9 per cent of pensionable adults were suffering from a long-term limiting illness, such as heart disease.

Last night's meeting was called to recruit local people to a group which will raise concerns in the community about their health service.

Members of Gwent Comm-unity Health Council, the patients 'watchdog' and Martin Livesey, general manager of Torfaen Local Health Group, will also be members of the group.

It will assist Torfaen Local Health Group and Gwent Healthcare NHS Trust when they make their decisions.

Experts believe Trevethin is well above the national average for respiratory diseases, although figures are not available.

Local councillors and community leaders have welcomed the scheme as part of a much-needed turnaround for Trevethin, which just a few months ago looked set to lose its GP service, after its two doctors applied to withdraw from the surgery.

People power put paid to that, as residents, councillors, Torfaen's AM Lynne Neagle and Paul Murphy MP united in a fight to keep the service running.

They were rewarded with the decision by Gwent Health Authority to vote against the doctors' withdrawal.

Health Watch has been formed to find out what people think about issues including the local doctor service, hospital and community services.

Other groups throughout Torfaen will follow, but a GHC spokesperson confirmed Trevethin was chosen first because it is an area of high health and social need and said it was vital the voice of local people was heard.

Councillor Lewis Jones of Trevethin said: "Thanks to public support we have managed to retain the clinic, which is about to be upgraded.

"Now, by people supporting Health Watch, it will ensure that we continue to get the facilities we need for the area."

He pointed to the overwhelming turnout to last year's meetings in support of the clinic, and said he was optimistic that the people of Trevethin would get behind Health Watch in the same way.

"I would like to thank Gwent Community Health Council, and AM Lynne Neagle, for all their support," he said.

Martin Livesey agreed that the campaign to save the GP service was a turning point for Trevethin and said Health Watch would build on the public interest it created.

A major revamp of Trevethin's health centre is due to start within the next few weeks. Coed Barn Farm will house the clinic temporarily, while the work is undertaken. Torfaen LHG is to recruit two new members of staff - a nurse practitioner, who can prescribe some drugs, and one other nurse.