About the GMS
We are the NHS North Thames Genomic Medicine Service.
Working to provide equitable access to genomic testing and innovation for people across North London, Hertfordshire and Mid and South Essex.
We are one of seven regional services established by the NHS Genomic Medicine Service (GMS), each responsible for coordinating genomics for part of England. Through the work of the GMS, the NHS will become the first health service in the world to embed genomics into routine care.
By harnessing the power of genomics, we can transform lives by providing;
Quicker diagnosis of rare conditions
More accurate and early diagnosis of cancer
Prediction of certain inherited diseases
Delivery of precision medicine
Better understanding of the underlying cause of many conditions
The North Thames GMS incorporates the North Thames Genomic Laboratory Hub (GLH) and The North Thames Genomic Medicine Service Alliance (GMSA).
We are a partnership of 10 NHS Trusts; Barts Health NHS Trust, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London North West Healthcare NHS Trust, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
The North Thames GLH
Led by Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, the GLH provides all genomic and genetic testing, as set out in the National Genomic Test Directory, for patients in the North Thames.
The GLH has two main laboratories: the Rare and Inherited Disease laboratory based at GOSH and the Cancer laboratory based at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. These are supported by laboratory teams around the region who deliver specialised testing, including SIHMDS genomic analyses provided by 5 partner laboratories.
The North Thames GMSA
The GMSA is working to embed genomics into the mainstream health service and ensure all patients with inherited conditions and cancer can access the improvements genomics can offer, including effective diagnosis and personalised treatment.
We bring together multidisciplinary clinical capabilities, expertise in research, patient and public involvement and a strong focus on education to build trust in genomics and support the current and future multi-disciplinary workforce to use genomics safely, effectively and efficiently. Find out more about how we work and read about our core activities and transformation projects.
Clinical Genetic Services in our region
Clinical Genetics is the medical speciality which provides diagnostic testing and genetic counselling for individuals or families with, or at risk of, conditions which may have a genetic basis.
There are three regional Clinical Genetics services operating in the North Thames;
North West Thames Regional Genetic Service provided by London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust
North East Thames Regional Genetic Service provided by Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation trust
The Royal Marsden Cancer Genetic Service
Find out more about these services and referral pathways.
Aligning with partners across the region
The work of the North Thames GMS will build on that of extensive existing local and regional clinical networks across a broad range of specialties. We work closely with partners in the region including clinical genetic services, Cancer Alliances, Biomedical Research Centres, Integrated Care Boards, Integrated Care Systems, Clinical Research Networks and Primary Care Networks.
Our Patient, Public and Carer (PPC) Panel help ensure the views of patients, carers and the public are part of discussions and help shape the direction of genomic services. Read more about their work.
Part of a National Genomics Network
The NHS GMS has established a network of 7 regional Genomic Medicine Services, each responsible for coordinating and delivering genomic testing for a particular part of the country.
Find out more about the vision for the NHS GMS and how it will deliver the best possible care for patients in Accelerating genomic medicine in the NHS Strategy: A strategy for embedding genomics in the NHS over the next 5 years [2022].
This strategy sets out four priority areas:
- Embedding genomics across the NHS, through a world leading innovative service model from primary and community care through to specialist and tertiary care.
- Delivering equitable genomic testing for improved outcomes in cancer, rare, inherited and common diseases and in enabling precision medicine and reducing adverse drug reactions.
- Enabling genomics to be at the forefront of the data and digital revolution, ensuring genomic data can be interpreted and informed by other diagnostic and clinical data.
- Evolving the service through cutting-edge science, research and innovation to ensure that patients can benefit from rapid implementation of advances.
