To ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements are being made for the relocation of Health Protection Agency staff and activities from Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle; and how many such (a) staff and (b) activities have so far been relocated and to each site. (318000)

The Health Protection Agency’s (HPA’s) clinical microbiology activity at Newcastle is to be transferred to other national health service accommodation in Newcastle as a result of redevelopment plans for Newcastle General Hospital. No clinical microbiology staff or activities have yet been transferred.

The HPA’s Food, Water and Environmental Unit at Newcastle is transferring to Leeds as part of a phased transfer. Three senior staff will transfer to Leeds or will work remotely, as part of this transfer. The remainder of the staff have been offered alternative employment within the Newcastle Clinical laboratory and will re-locate with these units to sites within Newcastle Trust. The HPA is aiming to complete this process by 31 March.