It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Peter Hoffman on 28th August 2026, a legend, an icon, a mentor and great friend to many.
Our lives as scientists, infection control and decontamination experts were enriched by the presence of Peter. Peter worked as a Consultant Clinical Scientist for the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), and its many forerunners, where overtime he was established, as he would say, as a jobbing microbiologist. However, his knowledge was second to none and he built a reputation as a distinguished specialist in water, infection control, ventilation and decontamination. Over the years Peter, like many scientific experts attended CSC meetings and conferences and he was involved with the development of the CSC.
More often than not when we were struggling to resolve issues in research or outbreaks we would contact Peter. He would be called upon to be part of most outbreak teams which strangely seemed to be brought together on a Friday afternoon and could go on for weeks with Peter ever present.
I worked with Peter on a number of outbreaks and it was always humbling to listen to his advice and particularly how he would support front line staff who were under immense pressure.
I remember clearly when we were both involved in CJD work. We had been summoned to a NICE committee and the chair asked for a response from his experts and looked towards us. Peter and I were looking behind us to see who he was talking to – treasured memories.
We spent many hours, weeks, months and indeed years formulating and writing decontamination guidance and it was admirable to watch as Peter would condense pages and pages of carefully drafted text into a few paragraphs. He would take convoluted sentences and would succinctly use a few words where others would use many. He had an art for seeing what was actually required and important in guidance documents.
Peter has left a legacy in research, infection control and decontamination and his dry wit will be missed as will his recommendations for good beer and food wherever we happened to be.
His attendance at so many conferences, year after year, reflected his expert contribution to infection control and decontamination. He was always sought after to contribute to conferences and training programmes, where he would share his knowledge and expertise with others. In recognition of Peter’s exceptional contribution in many different areas and to the CSC, Peter was invited to deliver the distinguished “Kelsey Lecture” in 2022 where his title was “Past Present and Future – A lifetime experience of decontamination and infection control”. As a colleague I was immensely proud to present Peter with the Kelsey Plate that year.
Peter, thank you for being there when we needed you and for expert judgement and support.
The Healthcare Infection Society have opened a book of condolences for those who would like to share a memory, message or tribute to Peter, please access it using this link. These contributions will be collated into a book for his partner, family and friends, providing a lasting record of the many lives he touched and the esteem in which he was held.
Dr Jimmy Walker
CSC Chair 2021 – 2024
