NHS Genomic Medicine Service

DNA sequence

The potential of genomic medicine

The systematic application of genomic technologies has the potential to transform patients’ lives by:

  • enabling a quicker diagnosis for patients with a rare disease, limiting the possibility of years of uncertainty, often referred to as the ‘diagnostic odyssey’.
  • matching people to the most effective medications and interventions, reducing the likelihood of an adverse drug reaction.
  • increasing the number of people surviving cancer each year because of more accurate and early diagnosis and more effective use of therapies.

NHS Genomic Medicine Service

The NHS Genomic Medicine Service aims to enable the NHS to harness the power of genomic technology and science to improve the health of our population and deliver on the commitments in the NHS Long Term Plan including to:

  • To be the first national health care system to offer whole genome sequencing as part of routine care, including for all children with cancer or children who are seriously ill with a likely genetic disorder.
  • Increased access to molecular diagnostics and offer genomic testing routinely to all people with cancer.
  • Improve early detection and treatment of high-risk conditions including expanding genomic testing for familial hypocholesterolaemia.
  • Linking and correlating genomic data to help provide new treatments, diagnostic approaches and help patients make informed decisions about their care.

These commitments will be delivered by the NHS Genomic Medicine Service for England which will provide:

  • Consistent and equitable care for the country’s 55 million people.
  • Operate to common national standards, specifications and protocols.
  • Deliver a single national genomic test directory covering use of all technologies from target genomic testing to whole genome sequencing.
  • Give all patients an opportunity to participate in research for their individual benefit and to inform future care for other patients.
  • Build a national genomic knowledge base to provide real world data to inform academic and industry research and development.

If you have any questions about the work for the NHS GMS then email england.genomics@nhs.net

What is genomics?

Genomics is the study of the genes in our DNA, their functions and their influence on the growth, development and working of the body

Genomic Research

Find information on genomic research including the NHS Genomic Medicine Service Research Collaborative and the 100,000 Genomes Project

Personalised medicine

Providing better management of people’s health by moving away from a ‘one size fits all’ approach.

The Genomics Strategy

The vision for the NHS Genomic Medicine Service and how it will deliver the best possible care for patients is outlined in the NHS Genomics Strategy.

NHS Genomic Networks of Excellence

The NHS Genomic Networks of Excellence are eight innovative programmes designed to deliver and accelerate genomic medicine in eight priority areas for the NHS.

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What is genomics?

Watch this short video from Health Education England’s Genomics Education Programme, which outlines what genomics is, and the ways it can improve patient care.

It also explores how genomics can track and treat infections like MRSA and tuberculosis (TB), improving and saving lives.

What does genomics mean for patients?

Jessica is one of the first children to receive a diagnosis from the 100,000 Genomes Project.

In this video from Genomics England, Jessica’s family talk about what it means to them, and how it will affect her treatment.

News and blogs

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See all genomics news