Bevan NHS tribute plan is dropped

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Plans to rename a hospital trust after NHS founder Aneurin Bevan have been scrapped after being criticised as a waste of public money.

The Welsh Assembly Government had consulted on the proposals to rename Gwent Healthcare NHS Trust.

Health Minister Edwina Hart said she had noted the opposition, but was "saddened by the cheap political points" made by some objectors.

The local health watchdog had estimated changing logos could cost £200,000.

Bevan was Labour MP for Ebbw Vale for more than 30 years until his death in 1960.

Gwent Community Health Council also said using Bevan's name could cause confusion with a new hospital in Ebbw Vale, which will also be named after him when completed.

Chief officer Cathy O'Sullivan said: "We welcomed the opportunity to comment on this issue and are delighted that the minister has clearly listened to public opinion. We applaud her decision."

'Distraction'

An assembly government spokesman said it had consulted with the trust and other health organisations on the proposal, which was to mark the 60th anniversary of the NHS.

"The health minister has noted some opposition to the proposals, and has therefore decided not to re-name the trust at this time.

"She has been saddened by the cheap political points which have been made by some on this issue.

"We believed that it was fitting as we remember and celebrate the inception of the NHS, that the trust which serves the people that inspired it, should be named after Aneurin Bevan."

Conservative AM William Graham had said it would not improve services while Liberal Democrat leader Mike German called it a "distraction".

The trust is responsible for the general hospitals, the Royal Gwent in Newport, Nevill Hall in Abergavenny, as well as clinics and community hospitals, including in Bevan's home town of Tredegar.