July 5, 2013

expert reaction to Department of Health announcement introducing Genomics England genome sequencing for patients

Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary, has launched Genomics England – a new government organisation to oversee the introduction of DNA sequencing throughout the National Health Service.

Professor Anneke Lucassen, Professor of Clinical Genetics, University of Southampton, said:

“The investment to deliver genome tests in the NHS is to be welcomed. Although the costs of genome tests have now reduced so much that they could soon be a routine test, we need to remember that our ability to interpret what the results mean in clinical practice is often much more fledgling than people think.”

Dr Ted Bianco, Acting Director of the Wellcome Trust, said:

“This is an ambitious and timely announcement that plays to two of the UK’s great strengths: the NHS and our world-leading medical – and in particular, genomic – research. By integrating these and ensuring the correct safeguards are in place to protect patients’ data, this initiative has the potential to better diagnose and treat cancer, rare diseases and infections, and to revolutionise, and increasingly personalise, healthcare.”