The Government has announced a new genomics population health service, with NHS staff being trained to identify patients eligible for genomic testing.
At the heart of this initiative, nurses will lead the way as local genomics champions — helping patients access faster, more accurate diagnoses closer to home, alongside vital support and counselling where needed.
The new service will build on the existing NHS Genomic Medicine Service, to enhance the identification, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of various conditions such as cancer, heart diseases and rare genetic disorders that can go undetected for years.
Genomic testing is a key feature of the NHS 10-Year Plan and the Life Sciences Sector Plan, and we welcome the Government’s continued commitment to accelerate access for patients.
Training of healthcare professionals is a critical but often underappreciated aspect of healthcare delivery. This move will go a long way to ensuring policy intentions deliver real-world impact.
