Our Genomic Medicine Service Alliance
The vision of the GMSA is to embed genomics into the mainstream health service.
The North Thames Genomic Medicine Service Alliance (NT GMSA) is a partnership across North East, Central and West London health and care partners, hosted by GOSH and supported by University College London Partners and Imperial College Health Partners, and including Trusts in West Hertfordshire and Mid and South Essex.
We work with all healthcare providers in our region, and with patients and the public to build trust in genomics and support the multi-professional workforce to use genomics safely, effectively, and efficiently and respond to the NHS strategy for embedding genomics in the NHS.
Our function
By embedding genomics into the mainstream health service, our aim is to deliver improvements for patients including effective, quicker diagnosis of rare conditions, precision treatment and care for those with inherited conditions and cancer and building a better understanding of the underlying cause of many conditions.
Genomics has the potential to transform how we understand, diagnose and treat a huge range of conditions, and therefore the work of the NT GMSA is relevant to many groups, from specialist genomic teams to the people and communities who receive their care from the NHS.
Connecting with individuals to understand their genomic experiences, including outreach to diverse communities and individuals sharing their personal genomics journeys.
Partnering with organisations to support patient needs and education, engaging with charities and foundations to amplify patient voices and concerns in genomics.
Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams in genomic care pathways, involving professionals from various fields, including doctors, nurses, and allied health workers.
Engaging with experts to advance genomic research and application, including geneticists, genomic counsellors, and specialists in precision medicine..
Training the future NHS workforce and system leaders in genomics, involving collaboration with higher education institutions and NHS system leadership.
Working with various teams to integrate genomics into healthcare, including partnerships with Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), Integrated Care Systems (ICSs), Cancer Alliances, primary care teams, community teams, and foundation and core trainees across all professions.
At a national level, the NT GMSA works closely with NHS England, the Genomic Education Programme , and the other six GMS Alliances across England to share expertise and ensure equitable access to genomic services across the country.
Our partners
The partnership collaborates to provide consistent and accessible genetic and genomic testing for a large and diverse population of around 7 million people, combining clinical capabilities, expertise in patient and public involvement, community outreach and an excellent track record in research to achieve a step change in delivering genomic medicine for our population. The Alliance works closely with the NT GLH.
The Alliance is a partnership of ten NHS Trusts from within the region:
- 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
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
In addition, there are 19 stakeholder organisations which are made up of Acute, Community and Mental Health Trusts.
