Healthcare Genetics in
the NHS Landscape
1st Gengage Network Conference June 2009
Dr Mike WinterMedical Director
National Services Division
Background
• Better Health, Better Care‘as local as possible as specialist as necessary’
• Calman Report– National Advisory Group – National Implementation Group– Education and Training Group– Public Engagement Network
Genetics in NHS Scotland
• National Services Division• Molecular Genetics and Cytogenetics
Laboratory Services Consortium• Clinical Genetics – Assessment, Advice,
and Access to Specialist Services• National Managed Clinical Networks• Cross Border (UK) referrals• Involvement in Research
National Screening
Specialist Servicescomplexity/cost/volume
80 services
Cross Boundary Risk ShareOther National Projects
£114 million Clinical Quality Equity of access
£170 million Clinical Quality Equity of Access
National MCNs
NHS Scotland Genetics Laboratories Consortium
• Access to Appropriate Testing• Quality Assurance of Service• Multi-disciplinary / Multi-professional
Users Group• Professional support and advice
Clinical Genetics
• Local access to high quality Assessment, Advice, and Care across all service
• liaison / referral to other specialist centres when clinically indicated
• Influence planning of Health Services• Active links with Research
Managed Clinical Networks
• Set Standards and Demonstrate improvements in Quality of Care
• Involvement of users and carers• Education and Training for service
providers and others
Cross Border activity
• Recognised list of UK providers of Specialist Gene Tests with agreed referral pathways (no requirement for ‘prior approval’ for most referrals)
• Specialist Clinical Assessment / Treatments can be funded as ‘risk share’
Research
• All parts of NHS Scotland genetics service involved in gene science, clinical and translational research
• NHS Partnerships with both Higher Education and Pharmaceutical industry strong
