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Welcome to our quarterly newsletter. We want to start by honouring nurses and midwives who are at the heart of the genomics journey.
On International Day of the Midwife (5 May) and International Nurses' Day (12 May), we celebrated the vital role these professionals play - not just in patient care, but in shaping the future of genomic medicine.
From taking detailed family histories to identifying inherited conditions, nurses and midwives are at the frontline of genomic healthcare. Whether supporting informed reproductive decisions, guiding patients through precision medicine, or integrating genetic insights into personalised care, their expertise is essential in shaping the future of healthcare. As genomics continues to transform healthcare, nurses and midwives stand as advocates, educators, and innovators - ensuring that every patient receives care tailored to their unique genetic story.
Thank you for your dedication, compassion, and ever-growing impact on the field of genomics. | |
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Wellcome Sanger Institute April 2025 | |
In April we arranged a visit to the Wellcome Sanger Institute in Cambridge. Established in 1993, it is now a leading genomics research centre, having contributed to the human genome project. A group of nurses, midwives and allied health professionals with an interest in genomics attended. Delegates came from across our region to learn more about the work of the institute and advancements in genomics. | |
This was an exciting opportunity to learn about the institute and to network with other health professionals working within genomics. The team, led by Jack Monaghan, were engaging and offered us the opportunity to learn in different ways utilising presentations, videos, interactive practical sessions and discussions around ethics and genomics. | | | |
Those who attended said how much they enjoyed the visit and that the opportunity to meet with other clinicians who worked in genomics was beneficial. Due to how well received this event was we are considering running another later in the year.If you would like to attend then please contact anita.murphy@nnuh.nhs.uk. | |
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Promoting Genomics in Nursing at RCN Congress | |
In 2024, a congress resolution was passed by voting members to support the integration of genomic competencies within the nursing profession across all healthcare settings.
This year, we were honoured to be invited to present at the RCN Congress in Liverpool, showcasing how we are helping to implement this important resolution. | | | |
Anita (right) joined colleagues Colette Scrace (centre), Lead Nurse for the Genomics Unit, and Tracie Miles (left), Associate Director of Nursing for South West GMSA. Their session was well received and sparked many insightful questions and discussions. This opportunity highlights how genomics is increasingly being recognised as a vital area of development within nursing, which is essential to the future of personalised healthcare. | |
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New Genomics Learning Passports for Nurses and Midwives | |
| The NMC Standards of Proficiency require all nurses and midwives to have some understanding of genomics and its relevance to practice. To support this, our colleagues at the Central and South Genomic Medicine Service have developed a Genomics Learning Passport for nurses and midwives. | | | |
This practical tool helps you navigate genomics learning at a pace and level that’s relevant to your role. Whether you're just beginning or building on existing knowledge, the passport guides you through key learning phases and trusted resources. Developed by nurses and midwives, for nurses and midwives, it supports both professional development and NMC revalidation. The passports are available on the Genomics Education Programme website: | |
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National Lunch & Learn Series | |
From diagnosis to personalised treatment, genomic knowledge is becoming essential across all clinical roles.
This series of presentations will aim to give health professionals a practical insight into the different facets of genomics in healthcare. This series of short, monthly sessions is a collaboration across the seven GMSA regions to deliver a national series of accessible webinars. The first session was in May and there will be a new webinar each month with a different topic covered in each session. | |
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Genomics Communities of Practice | |
Our monthly Genomics Communities of Practice are now up and running. For further information on the range of specialties and conditions covered please see our Genomics Community of Practice webpage.
You can access slides and recordings from previous sessions under 'Clinical Specialims' on our FutureNHS platform. You will need to request access to this site if you have not already done so. | | | |
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The EUROPAC (European Registry of Familial Pancreatic Cancer and Hereditary Pancreatitis) study continues to recruit people with a family history of pancreatic cancer and people who have been diagnosed with hereditary pancreatitis. | | | |
They also offer secondary pancreatic cancer screening to those who are at high risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Around 10% of pancreatic cancer cases are linked to inherited factors, NICE guidance (NG85) recommends surveillance for people with an inherited high risk pancreatic cancer. For more information see the EUROPAC website where there are links for healthcare professionals to information about how to refer. There is also a EUROPAC webinar on 17 June, 11am -11.30am where all healthcare professionals are welcome to join. | |
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A Genomics Series in collaboration with the Maternity and Midwifery Forum | |
The lead midwives for all the GMSAs, alongside the Lead Nurse for the national Genomics Unit, are working together to highlight where genomics fits into maternity care. The series includes webinars and speaking at conferences being held across the UK. You can find out more here. | | | |
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Research in the area of prevention genomics is transforming our understanding of stillbirth, offering new insights into potential genetic causes and risk factors. While stillbirth is often linked to maternal health, placental function, and environmental influences, emerging studies suggest that genetic variations may play a role in fetal development and vulnerability. Some studies have found that about 6-8% of stillbirths were likely caused by mutations in single genes, highlighting the potential of genomic testing to provide clearer answers for affected families. Identifying these genetic markers could lead to earlier interventions, improved screening, and more personalised care for at-risk pregnancies.
Read more: Webinar: | |
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MBRRACE-UK is offering two free online CPD courses starting 2 June 2025, covering key lessons from the 2024 MBRRACE-UK Perinatal Report and the Perinatal Mortality Review Tool. These courses provide valuable insights into perinatal care, mortality trends, and best practices for healthcare professionals. The courses will be available online, allowing participants to learn at their own pace. Find out more and register here.
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Virtual Prenatal Genetics Short Course 2025
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A skills-based course designed for midwives and healthcare professionals working in prenatal genetic testing. This interactive session will equip participants with essential tools to support patients in accessing appropriate referrals, including family history assessments, risk identification, genetic testing approaches, and counselling skills for informed decision-making.
The course combines scientific knowledge with real-world case studies to connect theory with practice. Attendees will gain foundational skills in prenatal genetic counselling, managing complex scenarios, and updates on emerging technologies. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your expertise and improve patient care! Full details and registration are available here.
Testimonials from East region course attendees: “It was helpful to see how to create a genetic pedigree. It highlighted to me that it doesn’t matter that I cannot draw a pedigree perfectly, but that if it supports me to be able to obtain relevant and useful family history, it is a really useful tool to utilise.” Fetal Medicine Midwife
“I think mainly, beforehand I always felt like I didn’t want to almost pry too much, but now I feel much more confident to dig and be much more of a detective.” Screening Midwife
“It was really useful to be able to hear the perspective of other clinicians that are more experienced in this field and gave me useful insights of how to approach these types of conversations that can often be quite challenging.” Fetal Medicine Midwife | |
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To learn more about genomics have a look at our e-learning platform which contains the following free online modules: - Patient Choice: discussing whole genome sequencing
- Genetic Testing for Hereditary Breast Cancer
- Genetic testing for Inherited Cardiac Conditions
- Genetic Carrier Testing in Primary Care
- Rapid Prenatal Exome Sequencing (R21)
- Monogenic Diabetes within Maternity Services
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Nurses and Midwives joint Network Meeting 24 September 2025, 12pm - 1.30pm These meetings are open to all midwifery and nursing staff who work within genomics/genetics or are interested in learning more about this area. If you would like further information please email egmsa@nnuh.nhs.uk.
Regional Midwives in Genetics and Genomics (MiGGS) Network Meeting 16 July 2025, 1pm - 2pm These meetings are open to all midwifery staff who work within genomics/genetics or are interested in learning more about this area. If you would like further information, or to receive the meeting series, please email egma@nnuh.nhs.uk.
Register your free place for our 16 July session here. | |
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Regional Nurses in Genetics and Genomics (NuGGS) Network Meeting 16 July 2025, 12pm - 1pm These meetings are open to all nursing staff who work within genomics/genetics or are interested in learning more about this area. If you would like further information, or to receive the meeting series, please email egma@nnuh.nhs.uk. | |
Education, Training and Resources | |
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Meet the East GMSA Nursing and Midwifery Team | |
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