DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
News Release (2008/0049) issued by The Government News Network on 16
April 2008
The Department of
Health's Chief Scientist and Director General for Health
Improvement and Protection, Professor David Harper, has today
published his progress review on the implementation of the 2003
genetics White Paper. Since 2001, the Government has invested £70
million to help the NHS make best use of the advances in genetics knowledge.
Views from over 50 stakeholders, scientists, and professional and
patient groups overwhelmingly welcome the progress and investment
made since the publication of the White Paper.
As outlined in the White Paper, genetics brings a whole range of
benefits to patients, including better diagnosis, prevention and treatment.
Professor David Harper said:
"The review allowed us to learn more from stakeholders
about the state of genetics science now, its potential within
healthcare, and what future priorities might be - both for
government and within other sectors. We will continue to work with
the NHS, researchers and other stakeholders and build on the
progress we have achieved so far to bring the benefits of
genetics advances within the reach of every patient."
A key achievement of this investment has been the establishment
of the UK Genetic Testing Network (UK GTN) in 2003. The key aim of
the UK GTN is to support equitable access to genetic testing
services to patients based on clinical need, not where they live.
It supports the NHS network of molecular genetics laboratories by
providing comprehensive information about the tests available
through the NHS and the laboratories that provide them. It also
evaluates new tests for their clinical utility to enable the NHS
to base decisions on what to fund on clear evidence of the value
to patients.
An important aim for the White Paper was to prepare the NHS to
make use of new genetics knowledge. Another major development has
been the establishing of the National Genetics Education Centre to
work with regulatory and professional bodies to ensure all
healthcare professionals in the NHS have an understanding of the
role of genetics in the care they provide.
Public Health Minister, Dawn Primarolo said:
"When the genetics White Paper was launched, we were
talking about realising the potential of genetics in the NHS. Five
years on, thanks to record investment from government and the
dedication of scientists and our health workers, thousands of
patients have benefited from advances in genetics."
Other developments include:
* The funding of trainer posts and 73 new Grade A trainees in
laboratory genetics.
* The first clinical trial of gene therapy for a form of
childhood blindness at University College London's Institute
of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Eye Hospital.
* The establishment of the first NHS Pharmacogenetics Chair,
which will raise the profile of pharmacogenetics and provide a
focus for the important research in understanding adverse drug reactions.
* In October 2007, full roll out of the newborn cystic fibrosis
screening programme was achieved. It is estimated that 250 babies
a year will be identified with cystic fibrosis in England,
enabling early treatment. The screening programme will identify
most cases in the first few weeks of life.
* Newborn screening for sickle cell disease now covers the whole
of England. Approximately 300 affected babies are expected to be
found in a year, enabling prompt treatment and saving the lives of
about 15 infants each year.
Genetics is still a relatively new area of work, and the review
recognises that developments need to be considered over a longer
timeframe, and will require sustained support.
Notes to Editors
1. The main aim of the genetics White Paper "Our
inheritance, our future - realising the potential of genetics in
the NHS", which was published in June 2003 was to enable the
NHS to make appropriate use of genetic knowledge and technology as
it emerges and can be found here: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_4006538
2. The White Paper included a commitment to review progress after
3 years. The review sought views from a wide range of scientific,
professional and patient groups, as well as Government committees
with a responsibility for genetics. Our inheritance, our future:
Realising the potential of genetics in the NHS - Progress Review
can be downloaded here: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publichealth/Scientificdevelopmentgeneticsandbioethics/Genetics/DH_084147
3. For enquiries, please call the general enquiries number - 020
7210 4850
[ENDS]