Gwenda Thomas AM: Backs Bevan suggestion

But other trust members may prefer to name it after Bevan, who established the NHS in the 1940s.

Gwenda Thomas AM said she strongly supported the Aneurin Bevan option.

"To the best of my knowledge this is the first new hospital opening in Wales in the new millennium," she said.

"Thinking of Bevan's vast contribution to health, this would be a very good way of remembering him."

Private finance

Neath MP Peter Hain said he preferred the plainer sounding Neath Port Talbot Hospital, even though the hospital is located at Baglan.

The 270-bed general hospital will be equipped with an accident centre and day unit and will replace the existing Neath General.

Under the private finance initiative, the private company Baglan Moor Healthcare will build the hospital and lease the building back to the trust over more than 27 years.

Construction work recently started on the site at Baglan and is due to be completed in 2002.