A streamlined health protection group is being launched in the region today.

Officials say a more co-ordinated approach is needed to meet the increased threat of hazards such as the deliberate release of chemical, biological, nuclear or radioactive agents.

To mark the opening of Health Protection Agency North-East, national chief executive Dr Pat Troop, was due to meet staff from all over the region.

Dr Troop mentioned Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) as an example of the type of threat health services had to be prepared to face.

"The agency will develop modern systems to identify, monitor and respond to the impact these situations have on human health," he said.

The Department of Health said the new North-East agency would mean that people in the region would be better protected against infectious diseases and civil emergencies.

With its headquarters in Newcastle, the agency aims to provide an integrated approach to health protection and reduce the impact of infectious diseases and poisons, as well as chemical, biological and radiation hazards. It will work with the NHS, local authorities and emergency services.

Four sub-units, each led by a consultant in communicable disease control, have been set up, covering County Durham, Darlington and Tees, South of Tyne and North of Tyne.

There is a regional HPA laboratory and emergency planning unit in Newcastle, a food, milk and water laboratory in Middlesbrough, a regional epidemiology unit in Stockton and an environmental epidemiologist in Morpeth, Northumberland.

A separate agency is being established for Yorkshire and Humberside, with administrative headquarters in Shipley, West Yorkshire.