UK to ramp up DNA testing through the NHS
Nurses across England will be trained as genomics champions in local communities to help patients get faster diagnoses and access life-saving treatment closer to home.
The government is creating a new genomic population health service, building on the existing NHS Genomic Medicine Service (GMS), to enhance the identification, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of various conditions such as cancer, heart diseases, and rare genetic disorders – including kidney and neurological conditions – that can go undetected for years.
These specially trained nurses – along with other NHS staff – will help guide patients and family members through genetic testing that can identify the inherited causes of major conditions like heart disease, cancer, and rare genetic disorders.
These nurses will identify patients suitable for genomic testing, supporting them to access genomic counselling if needed.
This means genetic testing closer to home, reducing travel barriers and offering more convenient options for patients, the Department of Health and Social Care said.
Nurses play a key role in clinical research trials, and these advancements will ensure that the NHS can harness their expertise to drive innovation and improve patient outcomes, it said.
“Nurses are at the heart of our NHS, and these advances will help ensure patients and communities benefit from nursing leadership in genomic medicine and research-led improvements,” said Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England.
“Our nursing workforce already includes well-established leaders in genomics and research, and this represents an opportunity to strengthen and enhance the excellent work of our profession in these fields, recognising their expertise in healthcare innovation,” she said.
