The centre will be based at Velindre

The National Collaborating Centre (NCC) will be based at the Velindre NHS Trust, which specialises in cancer treatment, and is the first to be established in Wales.

The centre, set up by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence, will be responsible for providing the NHS with guidance on cancer treatment and care.

Six other NCCs operate a similar service for areas such as mental health, primary healthcare and nursing.

The Cardiff-based NCC will be jointly run in a partnership between the hospital and the University of Wales College of Medicine.

National Collaborating Centre bases Acute Care - Royal College of Surgeons of England Cancer - Velindre NHS Trust Chronic Conditions - Royal College of Physicians Nursing & Supportive Care - Royal College of Nursing Institute Mental Health - British Psychological Society/Royal College of Psychiatrists Primary Care - Royal College of General Practitioners Women & Children's Health - Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

Dr Fergus Macbeth, a consultant oncologist at Velindre Hospital, is to lead the new centre.

A lung cancer specialist, he treats people using chemotherapy and radiotherapy on a day-to-day basis, and said this experience "at the sharp end" helped him have an insight into the sort of care patients needed.

He explained the centre would support teams of health professionals and patient representatives who will produce guidelines on designated topics.

Standards

The first project for the centre will be on child and adolescent cancer.

Dr Macbeth said patients would benefit by having a clear guide as to what kind of treatment should be provided for particular cancers.

"It will give them an idea of what they should expect and help level out standards of treatment across England and Wales," he added.

Welsh Health Minister Jane Hutt is to formally open the centre on Wednesday morning.

She said: "I very much welcome the decision taken by NICE to establish the NCC here in Wales.

"It acknowledges the experience in cancer care that exists here at Velindre NHS Trust and UWCM and recognises the high standards and dedication of health professionals working in this area."