June 2024
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This conference examined key issues for genomics in the UK following the recent announcement of the NHS Genomics Networks of Excellence, which aim to develop innovative approaches to key NHS challenges.
It brought together stakeholders and policymakers to assess the progress and next steps for the Genome UK: 2022 to 2025 implementation plan for England and the NHS Genomic Medicine Service.
Delegates discussed priorities for supporting innovation in genomic medicine and advancing research, as well as opportunities for AI in genomic science and improving patient outcomes.
Discussion examined opportunities for implementation of genomic technologies across healthcare delivery in the NHS and more widely, including personalised medicine and predictive diagnostics.
Delegates assessed progress in adopting and embedding genomic science in the NHS so far, with discussion on the way forward for medicine optimisation and pharmacogenomics, and building patient pathways and models of care to enable improved patient access to innovative diagnostics and treatments. They also considered issues around data, including security and growing diversity in the UK Biobank, patient records and digital maturity in the health system.
The agenda looked at enablers for achieving the application of innovative approaches routinely in the NHS, and the way forward for putting them in place. Areas for discussion included advancing collaboration and investment, ensuring security, and the necessary regulation frameworks.
Further sessions assessed priorities for supporting the workforce with developments surrounding genomics and its application in the NHS, including next steps for education and training, and building capacity and involvement with research.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Professor Dame Sue Hill, Chief Scientific Officer for England and Senior Responsible Officer for Genomics, NHS England; Dr Rich Scott, Chief Executive Officer, Genomics England; and Dr Kate Tatton-Brown, Consultant in Clinical Genetics, St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust.
Overall, areas for discussion included:
- NHS Genomics Networks of Excellence: collaboration between the NHS, academics, genomics labs and the third sector - innovative approaches to addressing challenges - utilising funding and cutting-edge technologies
- genome sequencing: the future outlook of whole genome sequencing for detection and diagnostics to improve healthcare outcomes - options for predictive healthcare models - next steps for advancing research
- data: supporting R&I within UK biobanks and the secure handling of health data - data and cybersecurity - access to data and collaboration - approaches to clinical trials - regulation
- pharmacogenomics: tackling adverse drug reactions - medicines optimisation - developing personalised therapies - workforce education and training
- patient accessibility: priorities for improving data diversity in the UK Biobank - reducing health inequalities - supporting patient understanding and awareness of genomics in healthcare - clinician engagement
- workforce: supporting the role of the workforce in implementation of genomics medicine across health services - next steps for education and training
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from DHSC; DSIT; MHRA; OLS; UKHSA; DoH, ROI; DBT; Department for the Economy, NI; and the Welsh Government.
