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NHS England have reconfigured genetic laboratory services and commissioned 7 national Genomic Laboratory Hubs (GLH). The South East GLH, a network of leading foundation trusts and pathology providers, has been commissioned to deliver genomic testing services across South London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex. The SE GLH provides genetic and genomic testing for a total of 20 acute NHS Trusts and 9 non-acute NHS Trusts, ensuring equitable access to testing for a population of 8.4 million.
The national GLH network will improve patient access for genetic testing and support the development of more personalised healthcare. The ultimate ambition is for patients with rare inherited diseases and cancer to be diagnosed and treated quicker than ever before, wherever they live.
The service allows clinicians to access testing for over 500 conditions, with some results being available in as little as three days. It will also enable the identification of gene mutations in cancer cells which can be targeted by new drug therapies.
The SE GLH has also been commissioned to deliver specialist testing in 6 categories: cardiology, respiratory, gastro-hepatology, haematology, neurology and skin.
In 2014, NHS England established 13 NHS Genomic Medicine Centres (GMCs), each responsible for delivering the 100,000 Genomes Project to patients within a specific geographical boundary. The South London GMC was led by Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and worked in collaboration with Local Delivery Partners such as King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. It supported a population of up to 7 million.
The project aimed to sequence 100,000 whole genomes from NHS patients with rare diseases, and their families, as well as patients with common cancers. You can find more details on the 100,000 Genomes Project here.