Genetics Progress Embedding Scientific Advances Into Healthcare, UK

Main Category: Genetics
Article Date: 17 Apr 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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The Department of Health's Chief Scientist and Director General for Health Improvement and Protection, Professor David Harper, has published his progress review on the implementation of the 2003 genetics White Paper. Since 2001, the Government has invested £70 million to help the NHS make best use of the advances in genetics knowledge.

Views from over 50 stakeholders, scientists, and professional and patient groups overwhelmingly welcome the progress and investment made since the publication of the White Paper.

As outlined in the White Paper, genetics brings a whole range of benefits to patients, including better diagnosis, prevention and treatment.

Professor David Harper said:

"The review allowed us to learn more from stakeholders about the state of genetics science now, its potential within healthcare, and what future priorities might be - both for government and within other sectors. We will continue to work with the NHS, researchers and other stakeholders and build on the progress we have achieved so far to bring the benefits of genetics advances within the reach of every patient."

A key achievement of this investment has been the establishment of the UK Genetic Testing Network (UK GTN) in 2003. The key aim of the UK GTN is to support equitable access to genetic testing services to patients based on clinical need, not where they live. It supports the NHS network of molecular genetics laboratories by providing comprehensive information about the tests available through the NHS and the laboratories that provide them. It also evaluates new tests for their clinical utility to enable the NHS to base decisions on what to fund on clear evidence of the value to patients.

An important aim for the White Paper was to prepare the NHS to make use of new genetics knowledge. Another major development has been the establishing of the National Genetics Education Centre to work with regulatory and professional bodies to ensure all healthcare professionals in the NHS have an understanding of the role of genetics in the care they provide.

Public Health Minister, Dawn Primarolo said:

"When the genetics White Paper was launched, we were talking about realising the potential of genetics in the NHS. Five years on, thanks to record investment from government and the dedication of scientists and our health workers, thousands of patients have benefited from advances in genetics."

Other developments include:

* The funding of trainer posts and 73 new Grade A trainees in laboratory genetics.

* The first clinical trial of gene therapy for a form of childhood blindness at University College London's Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Eye Hospital.

* The establishment of the first NHS Pharmacogenetics Chair, which will raise the profile of pharmacogenetics and provide a focus for the important research in understanding adverse drug reactions.

* In October 2007, full roll out of the newborn cystic fibrosis screening programme was achieved. It is estimated that 250 babies a year will be identified with cystic fibrosis in England, enabling early treatment. The screening programme will identify most cases in the first few weeks of life.

* Newborn screening for sickle cell disease now covers the whole of England. Approximately 300 affected babies are expected to be found in a year, enabling prompt treatment and saving the lives of about 15 infants each year.

Genetics is still a relatively new area of work, and the review recognises that developments need to be considered over a longer timeframe, and will require sustained support.

Notes

1. The main aim of the genetics White Paper "Our inheritance, our future - realising the potential of genetics in the NHS", which was published in June 2003 was to enable the NHS to make appropriate use of genetic knowledge and technology as it emerges and can be found here.

2. The White Paper included a commitment to review progress after 3 years. The review sought views from a wide range of scientific, professional and patient groups, as well as Government committees with a responsibility for genetics. Our inheritance, our future: Realising the potential of genetics in the NHS - Progress Review can be downloaded here.

Department of Health