New genetics technologies programme announced

Health minister Ann Keen has announced the launch of a new education scheme to offer enhanced training in genetic technologies and clinical applications.

The initiative, which is funded by the Department of Health, is an element of the UK Modernising Scientific Careers programme and will provide an investment of more than 4.5 million pounds to meet the needs of the healthcare science workforce in the field of genetics.

Commenting, Ms Keen, who is the Labour MP for Brentford and Isleworth, said that science and innovation are at the core of high-quality healthcare in the 21st century.

“Geneticists carry out life-informing work by predicting and diagnosing disease, so it is fundamental that we invest in creating training and career opportunities for this important group of NHS staff,” she added.

Professor Sue Hill, chief scientific officer for the Department of Health, stated that she looks forward to working with those involved in the pilot.

The pilot sites include Liverpool Women’s NHS foundation trust, the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS trust and Southmead hospital in Bristol.