New roles for practitioners with a special interest in genetics
New funding for primary care health professionals to train as experts in genetics was announced last week. Although the scheme is primarily aimed at GPs, the Department of Health says that it will welcome approaches from other practitioners in primary care in England who are interested in developing roles in genetics.
Under the scheme, funding will be available for 10 GPs to become a “GP
with a special interest in genetics”. The scheme aims to help GPs
deliver
genetic screening programmes in primary care and improve treatment for
patients with genetic diseases. An important part of the role will be
to raise awareness about genetics among other members of the primary
care team.
“We may be able to consider funding a small number of other ‘practitioner
with a special interest’ posts in addition to the 10 GP posts committed
to in the White Paper [on genetics], and would
tailor the job description and support package as appropriate,” the
DoH says.
The DoH is holding a workshop about the
application process for potential applicants (including non-GP health
professionals) and primary care trust representatives on 16 September.
Further
information can be accessed here
AimHigher Nine schemes in England have been launched to encourage
people from disadvantaged backgrounds to consider careers in the
health professions. The
schemes, which have been given £9m funding over five years, are part of
AimHigher — a joint initiative involving the Department for Education
and Skills, the Higher Education Funding Council for England, and the Learning
and
Skills Council.
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