Minister appoints non-executive member to Health Protection Agency (HPA)

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, today announced the appointment of a new non-executive member to the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

Dr Timothy Wyatt has been appointed as Northern Ireland representative on the board of the HPA for a three year period with effect from 1 April 2010.

Notes to editors:

1. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is an independent Non-Departmental Public Body, established by government in 2003 with a remit to protect the health of the general public from hazards to health, be they infectious diseases, radiation, chemicals or poisons, either naturally occurring or deliberate release. In April 2009 its remit widened when it took on functions in relation to biological medicines as the National institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC) became part of the HPA.

2. Under the Health Protection Agency Act 2004, Northern Ireland is entitled to one non-executive member on the HPA Board.

3. Non-executive members of the HPA receive remuneration of £7,883

4. The appointments were made with the approval of the Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

5. The appointments were made in accordance with the Code of Practice issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointment for Northern Ireland.

6. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for the political activity of appointees (if any declared) to be published. Timothy Wyatt has declared no political activity in the last five years.

7. Timothy Wyatt holds another Ministerial appointment as a member of the CJD Incidents Panel, no payment received.

8. Dr Timothy Wyatt is currently a Consultant Clinical Microbiologist at the Belfast HSC Trust and is also the Clinical Lead for Molecular Sciences and Infection Control Doctor with responsibility for the Mater Hospital and N&W and Belfast Community. He is also a Consultant Clinical Microbiologist at the Public Health Agency. He is a member of the Pathology Network Implementation Group – Microbiology Specialist Network Team, the Health Care Associated Infection Surveillance Group, the Antimicrobial Resistance Action Committee, and a Sub-Committee of the Regional Advisory Committee on Communicable Disease Control. He is also member of the National Institute for Health Research Invention for Innovation, CJD Incidents Panel and the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens Working Group.
9. Media queries to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0074, or out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.