On the 28th August, 2025, the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) shared a press release stating their intent to create new genomics population health service, with nurses in leading roles.
Press Release Extracts
Nurses across England will be trained as genomics champions in local communities to help patients get faster diagnoses and access life-saving treatment closer to home, as the government’s 10 Year Health Plan ramps up innovation in the NHS.
The government is creating a new genomic population health service, building on the existing NHS Genomic Medicine Service (GMS), to enhance the identification, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of various conditions such as cancer, heart diseases, and rare genetic disorders – including kidney and neurological conditions – that can go undetected for years.
These specially trained nurses – along with other NHS staff – will help guide patients and family members through genetic testing that can identify the inherited causes of major conditions like heart disease, cancer and rare genetic disorders.
These nurses will identify patients suitable for genomic testing, supporting them to access genomic counselling if needed.
This means genetic testing closer to home, reducing travel barriers and offering more convenient options for patients – as the Plan for Change shifts care out of hospitals and into the community.
MEA Comment
“It's clearly good news to see that the government is creating a genomics population health service that will be prioritising DNA testing in the community as well as funding more research into conditions that have a genetic component – as is now the case with ME/CFS.
However, it's disappointing to find no mention DecodeME and the fact that while this new genomics service isn't going to be able to offer DNA testing in relation to ME/CFS right now this is clearly something that could happen in the future.”
Dr Charles Shepherd,
Trustee and Hon. Medical Adviser to the ME Association,
Member of the 2018-2021 NICE guideline on ME/CFS committee,
Member of the 2002 Chief Medical Officer's Working Group on ME/CFS
More Information:
- Decode ME: Initial DecodeME DNA Results | 06 August 2025
- Decode ME: X marks the spot where ME/CFS biology can be discovered | 06 August 2025