THE first minister was challenged today on when the Welsh Government will build the delayed Specialist Critical Care Centre (SCCC) in Cwmbran.

Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Kirsty Williams said every option for the future of NHS services in South Wales assumes a new hospital will be built in Cwmbran.

The health minister Mark Drakeford has decided to delay a decision on the outline business case for the £270 million centre at the former Llanfrechfa Grange Hospital near Cwmbran until the future of key services - A&E, neonatal, obstetrics and paediatrics - in hospitals across South Wales is determined in the South Wales Programme.

Health bosses in the Aneurin Bevan Health Board had hoped for the plan to be approved in April.

"Every option for the future of NHS services in South Wales assumes the provision of an SCCC in Cwmbran," Ms Williams asked Carwyn Jones in the Senedd.

"You have been promising to build that hospital for the last seven years... When will you get round to building that hospital?"

Mr Jones said the hospital was tied up with the programme and the results of any consultation.