Research to beat killer diseases

It is hoped the new laboratory will help stop norovirus outbreaks

A microbiology service specialising in food poisoning and Legionnaires' disease is being developed at a hospital in Lancashire.

Royal Preston Hospital will be the home of the laboratory, which will serve north-west England.

The facility has cost £93,000 and will allow further research into the potentially fatal diseases.

Lead scientist Professor Andrew Fox said the equipment would enable a rapid turnaround for test results.

'Robust service'

The unit, North West Centre for Food, Water and Environmental Microbiology Services, is one of 12 across the country.

Professor Fox added: "The additional investment has enabled us to provide an excellent working environment for scientists and laboratory staff.

"As we are part of a national network, there will be a consistency of approach to staff training, grading and roles across the country, with clear career development opportunities."

Jim McLauchlin, national director of the newly created Food, Water and Environmental Network, said: "The structure will result in a better co-ordinated and more robust service that will allow us to become more responsive to new and potential challenges, such as the 2012 Olympics and outbreaks of infection such as norovirus."