Health Secretary Mark Drakeford has confirmed £7.7m to upgrade the Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery as it marks its 30th anniversary.

The funding will improve facilities at the centre of excellence at Morriston Hospital, in Swansea, which supports a population of 10m people from Aberystwyth to Oxford.

The centre provides specialist care to more than 1,000 people every year – half of whom are children – including people who have suffered the most severe burns.

People with complex burns from further afield are also referred to Swansea for treatment and care.

The £7.7m will create three burns cubicles and two general intensive care cubicles in Morriston’s main intensive care unit and will convert an existing theatre to help treat more burns patients.

Health Secretary Mark Drakeford said: “For the last 30 years, the Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery has built a reputation for being one of Europe’s largest and busiest burns services, providing excellent care to thousands of people.

“This funding will help to ensure the centre can continue to deliver the best outcomes for patients and staff alike, with high quality facilities to meet patient needs, and to attract and retain talented, professional staff.”