Read below to find out more about recent happenings in all things Maternity and Midwifery including Genomics Conversation Week, MiGG’s.net, the Newborn Genomes Programme, and the Prenatal Genomic Network of Excellence.
Reflections on Genomics Conversation Week (June 2024)
Genomics Conversation Week is an annual initiative by National Genomics Education to increase awareness of Genomics. Building on the theme of ‘how far we’ve come, how far we’ll go’ we used our social media platforms to post insights into how genomics is currently supporting maternity care and what lies ahead. We had a great response – thank you to those who got involved! Please follow us on @NEYGenomics and @DeniseBMidGen to continue your genomics journey.
North East and Yorkshire Midwives in Genetics and Genomics Network (NEY MiGG’s.net)
Our third network meeting (held in July), focussed on a specific type of diabetes that isn’t actually diabetes! We were fortunate to have key speakers in this field including Dr Su Ann Tee (Consultant Diabetologist from Gateshead) who provided the background and physiology behind glucokinase (GCK) related fasting hyperglycaemia; Debbie Scott (Consultant Midwife in Maternal Medicine, Yorkshire and Humber) who updated on a pilot project to explore how to identify and test women who meet the eligibility criteria for GCK testing, and Nicola Lloyd-Jones (Lead Nurse for Diabetes at York and Scarborough Trust) sharing insights into her antenatal diabetic clinics and how the language we use with patients, especially when discussing genetic testing, can impact on that key relationship.
Testing for GCK is available for the eligible population as described in the National Genomic Test Directory. However, most Trusts do not currently have a consistent pathway to identify, test and follow up people in the antenatal period. We are working on a local, regional and national approach to this and will keep you updated as the work evolves. Find out more about GCK and types of monogenic diabetes here: GCK Guidelines in Pregnancy
Our next NEY MiGG’s.net meeting is Friday 18th October, 13:30-15:00.
Please email [email protected] if you’d like to join the network.
Newborn Genomes Programme – Generation Study
A new research study has started in England which plans to sequence the genomes of around 100,000 babies to identify over 220 serious conditions. These identified conditions are ones for which there is funded treatment within the NHS. The aim of the study is to assess the feasibility of sequencing the genome of newborn babies, enable wider research into genes and health including investigating new tests and treatment options, and explore the risks and benefits of storing an individual’s genome over their lifetime. Find out more here.
This study is in addition to, and does not replace the offer of, the routine newborn screening programme and newborn blood spot test.
We have three Trusts in North East and Yorkshire currently exploring how to set up this research study, and more will be approached by Genomics England as this study expands.
Prenatal Genomic Network of Excellence
The NEY GMS is working in partnership with other regional Genomic Medicine Services, academia, the third sector and industry to develop the Prenatal Genomic Network of Excellence. As part of the National Genomics Strategy, NHS England have funded eight networks of excellence, of which Prenatal is one. As the technology continues to evolve, these networks will bring key people together to drive developments in prenatal genomics services. We’ll keep you informed as this network becomes established and how you can get involved.