May 2023

Programme News

Genomic testing for rare disease: Learn with the experts

Are you looking to familiarise yourself with how to request genomic testing through the National Genomic Test Directory? The National Genomics Education programme is running a two-week online course on FutureLearn, which offers a practical guide to the genomic testing process for rare disease. What’s more, for those participating during 15-22 May, the course will be mentored by experts who will offer additional support and information. You can find out find out more here or sign up via the course page.

Webinar: Targeted chemotherapy in paediatric oncology

Thank you to all those who joined us for the fifth in our series of LinkAGE expert webinars hosted by Dr Sam Behjati. The recording will shortly be available on our LinkAGE webpage. The next webinar will be presented by expert Dr Balfour-Lynn on Monday 12 June at 5:00 pm who will introduce CFTR modulators and how they have changed the world of cystic fibrosis (CF). Find out more on our event page.

Resource: Fundamentals playlist

Resource of the month: Fundamentals playlist.

What is DNA? What is a genome? How do we inherit genetic information? Perfect for anyone wishing to start their genomics learning journey, our curated collection of short introductory animations has the basics covered. Ideal for visual learners, the playlists are now available to view in our new Vimeo showcase or on our YouTube channel.

New course: Improving Health Outcomes

Understanding how to work effectively with diverse groups can help you to better meet their needs. This new two-week FutureLearn course from NHS England will show you how simple changes can create big improvements to people’s lives and transform their access to healthcare services. Join this free course today.

Pharmacogenomics and Stratified Medicine Event

The UK Pharmacogenetics and Stratified Medicine Network are hosting their Annual Open Meeting on 21 June, at the Royal College of Physicians, London. Speakers will discuss the use of precision medicine and how pharmacogenetics is being applied in the clinic to improve healthcare. Visit the webpage for information or to book your place.

Our NHS at 75: telling your story through the lens

To mark its 75th anniversary, the NHS has teamed up with Fujifilm to launch a photography exhibition for NHS staff and volunteers to share their unique stories of the NHS across five categories. The judging panel will choose five winners to be displayed at the NHS’s 75th anniversary service at Westminster Abbey on 5 July. The winning photos, along with 70 commended entries, will also be displayed in a dedicated exhibition in Fujifilm’s House of Photography in London. Find out more information on the dedicated the webpage.

World-leading medicine pricing scheme

The NHS will save £7 billion by the end of 2023 thanks to a new five-year agreement, which ensures the NHS can continue to be one of the fastest health systems in the world to roll out innovative medicines. The Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing and Access (VPAS), was introduced in 2019 to keep the branded medicine bill affordable by capping the growth of sales. Thanks to the scheme, thousands of NHS patients have benefitted from new treatments for the most common cancers, to cutting edge gene therapy for ultra-rare conditions.