Leeches are being used for some skin problems

Staff at the Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery at Morriston Hospital, Swansea, opened the doors on Sunday.

Visitors saw the latest techiques used in modern-day care and treatment.

Experts use sophisticated procedures like repairing burns with substitute skin, but also call on age-old helpers like leeches in some cases.

The centre moved to the purpose-built facility at Morriston from St Lawrence Hospital, Chepstow, in 1994, after almost 50 years.

It now provides treatment for the population of south and mid Wales - around 2.3m people.

The centre has built up an enviable reputation. As well as treating burns, the staff deal with problems caused by skin cancers and birth deformities, and hand injuries which require specialist care.

The move to Morriston meant numerous improvements, including the introduction of some of the best burn care facilities in the UK.

Facilities were built at Morriston to house the centre

Staff played a vital role when an explosion occurred at the Port Talbot Corus steelworks in November 200. All those injured were treated at the centre, which was just a short journey away.

Philippa Thomas, the burns nurse specialist who organised the open day, said the centre had developed considerably over the past 10 years.

"A huge amount of experience and knowledge has been accumulated," she said.

"The move to Swansea was a great improvement for patients and all the health care professionals involved in their care."

A team of 10 surgeons, nine consultant anaesthetists, and 250 other staff - including nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists - are employed at the centre.

It continues to grow. A new relatives' area - funded from the Corus Blast Furnace Number 5 fund - is under construction.