Physiotherapy services at a unique rehabilitation centre in south Wales are to be transferred to a new hospital.

The closure of Talygarn miners' rehabilitation centre at Pontyclun, south Wales, was announced by Assembly Health Secretary Jane Hutt.

The centre's existing services will be transferred to the new Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Llantrisant.

Consultation

The plans to move physiotherapy services from the Talygarn unit have been subject to public consultation and community protests.

During the last few years, the Taff Ely Community Health Council and campaigners have opposed the closure, which was proposed by Bro Taf Health Authority.

Ms Hutt says it was a difficult decision but she believes the modern facilities at the new hospital would serve the people of Taff Ely and the Rhondda better.

"Local plans will include preserving the special nature of the Talygarn estate," she said.

Assurances

Bro Taf Health Authority chairman Simon Jones said the Royal Glamorgan Hospital had the "most modern facilities" to provide necessary support for rehabilitation patients.

The authority and the local health trusts say they can give assurances that existing patients' assessments would continue unchanged.

But campaigners fear that the move is about saving money and that services to patients may suffer.