Who we are

The NHS Genomic Medicine Service

Building on the success of the 100,000 Genomes Project, NHS England have introduced a national Genomic Medicine Service (GMS). This world-leading initiative will embed genomics into routine NHS care and make significant strides to create a system focused on improving health, not just by treating illness, but by enabling faster diagnoses and tailoring treatments to individuals through harnessing the power of genomic technology and science.

National network of GMS regions (with key)
Map of GLH/GMSA regions

The national genomic testing service is delivered through a network of seven supra-regional NHS Genomic Laboratory Hubs (GLHs), each responsible for coordinating consistent and equitable services for their region in accordance with the new National Genomic Test Directory. 

Aligned to these regions, seven NHS Genomic Medicine Service Alliances (GMSAs) have also been established. Each GMSA has a critical role in facilitating strong collaborations across their large geographies, providing clinical leadership to enable the multi-professional workforce to use genomics safely, effectively and efficiently, and working with patients and the public to build trust in genomics.

Together, the GLHs and GMSAs form the new national NHS Genomic Medicine Service, delivering equitable and consistent access to genomic testing and end-to-end care pathways across the country.

The NHS South East Genomic Laboratory Hub

The NHS South East Genomic Laboratory Hub (SE GLH) provides genetic and genomic testing for a total of 19 acute NHS Trusts and 9 non-acute NHS Trusts in the South London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex region. All genomic tests available in the NHS Genomic Medicine Service are listed in the National Genomic Test Directory

The NHS South East Genomic Medicine Service Alliance

The NHS South East Genomic Medicine Alliance (SE GMSA) brings together providers within South London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex to work in partnership to support the systematic embedding of genomics in to mainstream care, focusing on reducing unwarranted variation and delivering the NHS Long Term Plan commitments to make demonstrable improvements to outcomes for our patients and the population we serve.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

We are delighted to introduce our first joint Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy for our South East Genomic Medicine Services. We are proud to have co-designed our strategy through working with and listening to our stakeholders, staff and patients. This strategy builds upon what we have already achieved and pledges to a culture of inclusion and learning to continuously improve our patient care and experience.

Other services and GMS regions

Clinical Genetics Services within the South East

South East Thames Regional Genetics Service (Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS FT)
www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/our-services/genetics

South West Thames Regional Genetics Service (St George’s University Hospitals NHS FT)
www.stgeorges.nhs.uk/service/specialist-medicine/clinical-genetics

NHS GLH/GMSAs

With any Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) test ordered, a Record of Discussion (RoD) form will also need to be submitted. This document is to record the patient’s consent for genomic testing and their choice on taking part in research. Guidance on the patient choice conversation can be found here
 
This RoD form will be available for clinicians to download from this webpage. Once completed with the patient, it can be send to the lab with the corresponding test order form and sample.
Tests available to order will be listed in the National Genomic Test Directory. A test order form will soon be made available for clinicians on this webpage to download and complete. This form will include the address of the laboratory that the appropriate sample and completed form needs to be sent to.
 
Until the new Genomic Laboratory Service goes live, please continue to follow existing test order processes.
 
Later this year, the online test ordering tool for Whole Genome Sequencing will be integrated into the National Genomics Informatics System (NGIS) and clinicians will be able to search or filter to find a clinical indication, confirm eligibility criteria and start the test request process for their patient.