Funding for design of new state of the art facilities at Health Protection Agency’s Porton Down site announced

15 September 2008

Speaking at Health Protection 2008, the Agency's annual conference, Sir William said: "We are delighted that the Department of Health has given the green light which will enable the Agency to move forward with the development of a blueprint for new state of the art laboratories and other facilities at Porton .

"The Centre for Emergency Preparedness and Response at Porton is one of the Agency's major research centres and is world renowned for its work on detection, diagnosis and containment of highly infectious diseases. It is uniquely placed within the public sector to ensure new discoveries are translated into real health benefits for patients."
Sir William added: "Ongoing work and options will be submitted to the Government for formal review and hopefully this will lead to the go-ahead for the multi-million pound redevelopment of the Porton site."

Ends

1. Notes to Editors
   For more information contact Dr Phil Luton on 07887 656001 or 01980 612725
2. The Health Protection Agency's Annual Conference takes place at The University of Warwick from Monday, 15 September 2008 - Wednesday, 17 September 2008. Further information can be found at the conference website at  www.healthprotectionconference.org.uk
3. The Health Protection 2008 conference press office can be contacted between 9am - 5pm on 024 765 72982; out of hours on 0208 200 4400.

Last reviewed: 15 September 2008