NEWS
New chief executive for UKHSA
Professor Susan Hopkins has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Expected to commence her new role in September, Professor Hopkins will take over from acting CEO Dyfed Alsop, who will revert to being Chief Operating Officer. Chief Medical Officer
Professor Sir Chris Whitty said: “Professor Hopkins has consistently provided outstanding leadership and expertise throughout a number of major public health challenges including
COVID-19 and mpox. Her considerable experience and technical knowledge will be invaluable in the role of UKHSA CEO. I very much look forward to continuing working with Professor Hopkins in her new role.” Professor Hopkins’ leadership will prove critical to UKHSA as it navigates the next period of health security challenges, as set out in its recent strategic plan 2023 to 2026. This includes vital work to prepare the nation for future health emergencies and to strengthen the UK’s overall ability to respond to potential crises. Professor Hopkins commented: “It is my honour and privilege to become the CEO of UKHSA. I step into this role with humility, excitement and deep commitment to our mission - protecting people’s health and security, quietly, consistently and expertly. I’m incredibly proud of the work UKHSA does and of the world-class expertise we have right across the agency. My priorities are ensuring we continue to deliver excellence in health protection and security and strengthening our capabilities and systems to enhance how we support our communities. Professor Susan Hopkins CBE FMedSci is an infectious disease clinician, epidemiologist and public health leader. She studied medicine at Trinity College Dublin and trained in infectious diseases, microbiology and epidemiology across Ireland, France and the UK. Professor Hopkins has played pivotal roles in the UK’s COVID-19 response, serving as Incident Director at Public Health England, Interim Chief Medical Adviser to NHS Test and Trace, and Strategic Response Director during the pandemic. From November 2021 she has served as Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA.
10
NHS roll-out world-first gonorrhoea vaccine
People at highest risk of infection with gonorrhoea will now be better protected from the disease, as the NHS and local authorities begin the roll-out of a world- first vaccination programme in England. From August 2025, sexual health clinics
are able to offer a free vaccine to patients at highest risk of the sexually transmitted infection. The 4CMenB vaccine will help shield those most at risk of gonorrhoea – potentially averting up to 100,000 cases of the disease, while easing pressure on vital NHS services. The vaccination programme comes at a critical time, with diagnoses of gonorrhoea reaching their highest levels since records began. In 2023, a record 85,000 cases of the disease were reported in England – three times higher than in 2012.
This vaccine will protect thousands of people and save the NHS more than £7.9 million over the next decade. It will also help combat increasing levels of antibiotic-resistant strains of the disease. Consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, Dr Sema Mandal, said: “This roll-out is hugely welcome as we’re currently seeing very concerning numbers of gonorrhoea, including even more worryingly antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea. The vaccine will give much- needed protection to those who need it most – making the UK a world leader in the fight against gonorrhoea. It’s excellent to see that, at the same time, other important vaccines will continue to be offered in sexual health services to those eligible, protecting against mpox, hepatitis A and B, and human papillomavirus (HPV).”
Agilent expands Dako Omnis family
Agilent Technologies has announced the introduction of its Dako Omnis range of automated immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridisation instruments with three new models – Agilent Dako Omnis 110, 165, and 165 Duo – designed to meet the evolving needs of pathology laboratories of all sizes. With the launch of the Agilent Dako Omnis family, Agilent transitions beyond a one-size-fits-all model to offer a tailored portfolio, empowering laboratories to select the configuration that best meets their needs. These new instruments provide laboratories with the flexibility to tailor their staining solutions according to volume, workflow, and diagnostic requirements. n Dako Omnis 110: Built for precision in low-medium volume laboratories, delivering up to 110 IHC slides per day with dependable performance.
n Dako Omnis 165: Engineered for efficiency in medium-high volume laboratories, delivering up to 165 IHC slides per day with seamless consistency.
n Dako Omnis 165 Duo: Designed for ultimate flexibility in medium- high volume laboratories, delivering simultaneous IHC and ISH with maximum throughput and confidence. Building on the success of the original Dako Omnis, all models feature continuous, case- based processing and shared reagents,
enabling laboratories to streamline workflows and reduce turnaround times. A newly integrated direct connection for deionised water and non-hazardous waste further reduces handling time. Majken Nielsen, Associate Vice President of Marketing and Product Management in the Clinical Diagnostics Division at Agilent, commented on the importance of this launch: “We recognise that pathology laboratories are under increasing pressure from rising test volumes, limited staffing, and growing diagnostic complexity. This solution was developed in direct response to those challenges. Built on customer feedback, these instruments are designed to simplify workflows, enhance diagnostic efficiency, and help laboratories deliver timely, high-quality results.”
SEPTEMBER 2025
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