Thank you for your help. Sorry it took me so long to replay I've been really busy.
OK... the idea is create a model layer and attach the panel to it? I've try the following code but it doesn't work:

Code:
PANEL* health_pan =
{
	layer = 21;
	pos_x = 0; 
	pos_y = 0;
	bmap = "panel.tga";
	digits(75, 65, "%.f", arial_font, 1, players_health); 
	flags =  SHOW;
}

ENTITY* panel_model =
{

       x = 100; // tweak these values until you set the desired position and size of the circular view
       y = -40;
       z = 20;
       type = "plate.mdl"; // use your own model name here
       layer = 20;
       flags2 = SHOW; // show the model
}

function show_plate(){
	health_pan.target_map = bmap_for_entity(panel_model,0);
}


Any ideas welcome. Thanks in advance.