Gold medal for HPA at Chelsea Flower Show

21 May 2008

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) and the Royal College of Pathologists have won a highly prestigious Gold Medal at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show.

The joint exhibition explores the possibility that climate change may increase the risk of malaria returning to the UK.

Dr Tim Wreghitt, Flower Show team leader and HPA Microbiologist based at the Cambridge lab said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have won an RHS Gold medal. It’s a testament to the hard work of the team who created this exciting stand.

“Visitors can find out about the species of mosquito that transmit malaria, the plants used in the prevention and treatment of the infection, and how doctors diagnose and treat the disease.”

Live mosquitoes add a buzz to the stand and each day there is an opportunity to talk to staff about their work on infectious diseases.

Sir William Stewart, Chairman of the Health Protection Agency, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the team have been awarded a Gold medal. Our exhibition emphasises that anyone travelling to an area where malaria is a risk should seek medical advice before their trip.

“Our latest data shows that 1,548 cases of malaria reported among UK travellers in 2007. Without taking the appropriate protective drugs and using other measures to prevent mosquito bites, UK travellers are exposing themselves to a killer disease that is almost completely preventable.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

 

• High resolution photographs of the team and the stand are available on request.

• The team won a gold medal at last year’s Chelsea Flower Show.

• The Health Protection Agency is an independent organisation that protects public health in the UK. The Agency’s Malaria Reference Laboratory carries out surveillance of all imported malaria cases and develops national prevention policy.

• National Pathology Week: Monday 3 November–Sunday 9 November 2008 will feature a range of events across the UK. Pathology is a varied specialty which includes: clinical biochemistry, forensic pathology, genetics, haematology, histopathology, immunology, microbiology, toxicology, transfusion medicine, veterinary pathology and virology.

 

For further information contact: Vicki Mead, HPA Press Officer on 01223 372825 or Caroline Shaw, Press & Communications Manager for the RCP on 07970 790 902

Last reviewed: 24 December 2008