A DISUSED hospital, linked to the creation of the NHS, should become a museum detailing the historical importance of Tredegar, according to a Gwent AM.

Plaid Cymru’s Steffan Lewis has called for a feasibility study into the opening of the Aneurin Bevan Memorial Library and NHS Museum, on the site of the Tredegar General Hospital.

Formerly the site of the Tredegar Medical Aid Society, Aneurin Bevan, served as the chairman of the management committee, 20 years before his integral role in the formation of the NHS.

The move follows recent reports about the precarious future of the hospital, which closed seven years ago after Ebbw Vale’s Ysbyty Aneurin Bevan opened.

Mr Lewis said: “We really undersell our health heritage in Wales and it is such a missed opportunity for Tredegar and surrounding areas.

“Opening an Aneurin Bevan Memorial Museum and NHS Museum would give us the opportunity to showcase the life of a Welsh political giant as well as tell the story of the treasured NHS.

“We are uniquely placed to do so and should grasp the opportunity with both hands.”

The site is still maintained by the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB), with a primary care health centre in operation.

The South Wales East AM cited a similar planned study into a National Football Museum in Wrexham, believing that Tredegar’s own heritage could boost the area.

“The Welsh Government is already conducting a feasibility study into a National Football Museum in Wrexham which I fully support and I hope they will use that precedent to look at marking the NHS’ history and Aneurin Bevan’s legacy in Tredegar,” said Mr Lewis.

“A number of wonderful buildings stand empty in Tredegar today that could house a Memorial Library and Museum, I’m sure this is something the whole community could get behind.

Mr Lewis’ calls were supported by Nigel Copner, a local campaigner, who hopes a plan could revitalise the Blaenau Gwent town’s financial future.

“Our area must take every opportunity to sell itself as a destination for visitors and Tredegar is well-placed to do so given that it gave the NHS to the world,” said Mr Copner.

“It would also have the potential to boost the local economy, creating well-paid local jobs that are also long-term and secure.

“I expect the Welsh Government to show faith and commitment to Blaenau Gwent through backing calls for a feasibility study and regenerating our area that is crying out for investment.”

An ABUHB spokesman said: “Hospital services at Tredegar General Hospital were transferred to Ysbyty Aneurin Bevan when it opened in 2010, although a primary care health centre which remains open and functioning is located on the site.

“In order to determine the best way forward for the hospital site and primary care in the Tredegar area, we are continuing to work with the local community and are having active discussions with a number of local organisations, although no decision has yet been made.”

Earlier in the week, Blaenau Gwent AM Alun Davies called for the hospital site to be preserved due to its historical significance.