NHS North Thames Genomic Medicine Service

It's incredibly exciting to see the Generation Study launch today! The pioneering study aims to identify rare genetic conditions in babies sooner and could enable hundreds to benefit from earlier diagnosis and treatment that could help slow the progression of disease and improve or even extend their lives. The Generation Study, led by Genomics England in partnership with NHS England, will offer whole genome sequencing for newborn babies using blood samples which are usually taken from their umbilical cord shortly after birth.  If a newborn baby is identified as having a treatable childhood condition through the genome sequencing, families and carers will be provided with further NHS testing to confirm a diagnosis, and ongoing support and treatment from the NHS. Our teams have worked closely with recruiting sites and specialist NHS Trusts to ensure pathways are in place for families as they begin NHS care. “The launch of this study is an incredibly exciting and important step forward for early genomic testing. We are proud to be working alongside Genomics England and NHS England to ensure that families taking part in this study are supported at every stage.” Dr Sophia Varadkar, co-medical director of the NT GMS. We're so excited to be supporting Trusts across our region who are taking part in this study - Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, West Middlesex University Hospital, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital   and Barts Health NHS Trust! Head to our website to find out more 👇 https://lnkd.in/egxcd8_u Dominic Studart Yvonne Muwalo Tina Prendeville

Last week our Pharmacy team hosted a hugely insightful study day around the expanding use of pharmacogenomics in the NHS. The day featured talks about cutting-edge research, workshop sessions on case studies and sessions around how pharmacogenomics may impact equity of access! If you missed the day and want to find out more, head to our website to see our new Pharmacogenomics Curated Collection or listen into the latest series of our podcast - Genomics Now! Dharmisha Chauhan

Are you involved in genomics research in the North Thames region? 🧬🔬   Fill in our survey to help us understand the current landscape and the potential for NHS to deliver high-quality genomics research! 👇 https://lnkd.in/eVur7a3T   This survey has been developed by the North Thames Genomic Medicine Service and has been shared to support NHS England's strategy for accelerating genomic medicine in the NHS by evolving the service through science, research and innovation. Results from the survey will be used to help us identify areas for improvement, share best practice and to develop support packages to enable NHS staff to deliver genomics research more effectively.   We encourage as many NHS staff working in the North Thames across a variety of settings (e.g. hospital sites, GP practices, community services, Research & Development offices, Clinical Research Network etc.) to participate in the survey so that we can capture a wide range of perspectives across multiple specialties.   The survey only takes 5-10 minutes to complete, and responses will be kept anonymous. Survey will close November 1st 2024. If you have any questions, please email: [email protected] 👇 https://lnkd.in/eVur7a3T

"Pharmacogenetics is not only relevant for pharmacists, it's relevant for everyone that signs a prescription" 🎧 🎧 In our new 5 part podcast series Shazia Mahamdallie and Dharmisha Chauhan explore the fundamental concepts of pharmacogenomics and pharmacogenetics, discussing their differences and current applications within the NHS. Learn how this innovative field is beginning to shape personalised treatment strategies, and how NHS England's new Pharmacy Genomics Workforce Education and Training Strategic Framework, is aiming to integrate genomic medicine into pharmacy education and practice over the next three years. 👉 https://lnkd.in/eH_nEUSc #pharmacy #genomics

Looking for a practical guide to genetic testing and how you can request this for your patients? Our hands-on virtual session on 17 October is designed for HCPs working in primary and secondary care. Find out more and book for free: https://re-url.uk/WOK7

Pharmacists play a vital role across the NHS, and genomics is no different! Pharmacogenomics helps us to understand how genes can affect how patients respond to drugs. A huge thank you to all of the pharmacists across our region working to integrate genomics into standard care! And a particular thank you to our wonderful pharmacy team here in the North Thames Genomic Medicine Service Dr. Raliat Onatade and Dharmisha Chauhan! Learn more about how pharmacogenomics is changing patient care 👇 https://lnkd.in/ehAKfMmw

We've been so excited to read this new report, supported by Roche, that focuses on bringing liquid biopsy testing to the NHS. In the full report you’ll be able to hear from experts from across the NHS including the NEYGenomics, NHS South West Genomic Medicine Service and our own North Thames Genomic Medicine Service team. “In this important report, colleagues have shared their experiences of implementing ctDNA NGS into routine clinical care across the UK. They highlight marked clinical benefits to patients and clinicians, and importantly several pathway changes affecting all members of the diagnostic and treatment team. The learnings detailed are of tremendous value, not only to local and regional commissioners, but also clinicians alike. As we move forward, the UK is poised to proudly be the first country globally to lead with a ‘liquid first’ approach at scale, allowing national equity in access to genetic testing, a fundamental tenet of cancer medicine.” Professor Sanjay Popat Consultant Thoracic Medical Oncologist, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust Read the full report and see what we’ve learnt from our pilot study 👇

🆕 New role alert! 🆕 The North Thames Genomic Medicine Service Alliance have opened expression of interest for a new role – Pharmacy Genomics Intern. ⭐ This is a newly created internship in recognition of the valuable role that pharmacy professionals play as part of the multidisciplinary team across all clinical sectors.   ⭐Working two days a week, the Pharmacy Genomics Internship aims to provide development opportunities for pharmacy professionals working in the North Thames region and to enhance the delivery. Applications close on Friday 4 October. Find out more and how to apply on our website! 👇 https://lnkd.in/ez2muDsP

We're so excited that over 1000 of you are following our LinkedIn page! It's been amazing being able to celebrate the incredible work of our amazing team, as well as highlighting how genomics is already changing healthcare and impacting patients.

Congratulations to North Thames GLH Rare Disease Laboratory who recently completed their 100th whole mitochondrial genome sequencing run! 🎉 Mitochondria have their own DNA - a small ‘circular’ genome with many more copies per cell compared to the rest of our DNA, meaning a different type of sequencing technology is needed to “read” mitochondrial DNA effectively. 🧬🔬 In the last couple of years the technique used for mitochondrial genome sequencing in the lab has been enhanced so that as well as identifying small changes, we are also able to detect large scale rearrangements all in one test! The UCLH Highly-Specialised Service for Mitochondrial Disorders is a large multidisciplinary team that includes clinicians, nurses, scientists, physiotherapists and researchers. All working to improve diagnosis for patients and aiming to provide them with as much information as is possible about their condition. The genomic testing for this service is delivered by the RD lab in a partnership between technicians in the Great Ormond Street Hospital Laboratory and Clinical Scientists from the UCLH Neurogenetics team. To celebrate this incredible achievement the team got together and shared a very tasty mitochondrial themed cake!  🍰 It is fantastic to see all of our NT GMS lab teams work so hard to deliver genomic testing across the country.