The NHS North West Genomic Medicine Service Alliance (NW GMSA) and NHS North West Genomic Laboratory Hub (NW GLH) are working together to make genomic medicine part of everyday healthcare for everyone across our region.
Our aim is simple: to ensure that every person in the North West, regardless of their background or where they live, can benefit equally from advances in genomics.
Our vision
To deliver a leading genomic diagnostic and clinical service for the entire North West population – one that is representative, accessible, and focused on achieving the best health outcomes for all.
Our mission
We are committed to removing barriers to access and ensuring that genomic services reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Through collaboration, education, digital innovation, and community partnership, we aim to make genomics an equitable and routine part of NHS care.
Why this matters
Genomic medicine can transform healthcare – helping clinicians to prevent disease, diagnose conditions earlier, and tailor treatments to individual patients. But for this potential to be realised, genomic services must reach everyone. Evidence shows that people living in deprived or remote areas, or from under-represented ethnic groups, have less access to testing and are less represented in genomic datasets. This limits our ability to deliver fair and effective care.
The NW GMSA Equity and Mainstreaming programmes directly address these challenges, guided by principles from the Marmot Review and the Core20PLUS5 approach to tackling health inequalities.
Our approach
Representation: We are improving the diversity of genomic datasets so that they truly reflect our region’s population. This means partnering with communities, increasing participation in research, and ensuring all voices are heard.
Equitable access: By embedding genomic testing in local hospitals, GP practices, and community pathways, we are bringing genomics closer to home – reducing waiting times and improving access for underserved groups.
Improved outcomes: Genomic results must lead to better care. We are working with clinicians and integrated care systems to ensure patients can access timely treatment, including NICE-recommended therapeutics.
Education and workforce development: We are upskilling healthcare professionals across disciplines so that genomics becomes part of routine decision-making, not a specialist exception.
Digital integration: Through enhanced data and digital systems, we are ensuring that genomic results are seamlessly accessible within NHS workflows.
Working together
Delivering equity in genomic medicine is a shared responsibility. By working with patients, community groups, Integrated Care Boards, cancer alliances, and research partners, we are building a fairer, more inclusive genomic service that serves every community across the North West.
Together, we are mainstreaming genomics – and making equity a reality.