The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 270 No 7255 p881
28 June 2003

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DoH: Genetics White Paper (more)

Genetics strategy for the NHS set out

A plan setting out how genetics-based health care will be integrated into the National Health Service has been published this week by the Department of Health.

Genetic testing Access to genetic tests is discussed in the report, which says that individuals who want to take more direct responsibility for their health should not face "arbitrary barriers". However, the Government seems to recognise that unfettered access to tests could cause problems and is therefore considering conclusions made in a Human Genetics Commission report published in April (PJ, 12 April, p508). The White Paper also includes plans to make it an offence to test someone's DNA without their consent (except as part of their medical treatment where consent is impossible to obtain, or in the lawful use by police and courts).

In a White Paper the Government sets out a £50m strategy, which it says will "harness the potential advances in genetics for the benefit of NHS patients" over the next three years. Much of the £50m — £18m — will be spent on upgrading NHS genetics laboratories to prepare them for the expected expansion in genetic testing. However, more than £7m will be spent on new initiatives to introduce genetics-based health care into mainstream clinical areas and into primary care.

In particular, the report says the DoH will invite bids for up to £2m start-up funding to explore ways of building up the expertise of doctors, nurses and pharmacists who may want to take a special interest in genetics.

The paper also notes that developments in pharmacogenetics could allow pharmacists to take on a greater role in prescribing. "A GP could make the diagnosis and discuss with the patient the general approach to treatment. But the selection of the genetically most favourable option could be undertaken by a pharmacist with the aid of genetic testing facilities," the report states.

Plans are also laid out for the inclusion of genetics in training courses for health professionals. With this in mind, the DoH plans to set up an NHS genetics education and development centre to coordinate activity. In addition, a new university chair and department in pharmacogenetics will be set up and over £4m will be spent on pharmacogenetics research on commonly used drugs.

The report adds that new technologies will have to be proven clinically if they are to be used routinely in health care. And the DoH expects those involved in medicines management to judge whether or not a particular pharmacogenetic test is important for the safe use of medicines.

Dr Nicola Gray, chairman of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's science committee, said: "The promised investment in pharmacogenetics research will result in better targeted and more effective use of existing medicines, and the development of new gene-based therapies. We also welcome the plans in the White Paper to ensure that ethical issues are addressed and to train health professionals to meet these new challenges."

However, not everyone has welcomed the white paper so warmly. GeneWatch UK has warned that no legal safeguards are proposed to prevent employers or insurers abusing genetic test information.

The report — "Our inheritance, our future — realising the potential of genetics in the NHS" — is available here.