Who we are

  • South East Genomic Laboratory Hub
  • South London Genomic Medicine Centre

The South East Genomic Laboratory Hub provides genetic and genomic testing for a total of 20 acute NHS Trusts and 9 non-acute NHS Trusts, ensuring equitable access to testing for a population of 8.4 million.

The national hub and network model will improve patient access for genetic testing and support the development of more personalised healthcare. The ultimate ambition is for patients with rare inherited diseases and cancer to be diagnosed and treated quicker than ever before, wherever they live.

The new service allows clinicians to access testing for over 500 conditions seven days a week, with some results being available in as little as three days. It will also enable the identification of gene mutations in cancer cells which can be targeted by new drug therapies.

In 2014, NHS England established 13 NHS Genomic Medicine Centres (GMCs), each responsible for delivering the 100,000 Genomes Project to patients within a specific geographical boundary. The South London GMC was led by Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and worked in collaboration with Local Delivery Partners such as King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. It supported a population of up to 7 million.

The project aimed to sequence 100,000 whole genomes from NHS patients with rare diseases, and their families, as well as patients with common cancers. You can find more details on the 100,000 Genomes Project here.

2018
December - 100,000 genomes sequenced
2018
2017
Industry-focused Discovery Forum convenes

First research users access data
2017
2016
First diagnosis of children returned

Participant Panel established

Sequencing moves to new 100k sequencing centre at Hinxton, Cambridgeshire
2016
2015
GeCIP research platform established

First participant diagnosis returned
2015
2014
First NHS Genomic Medicine Center (GMCs) announced

First participants recruited to the Project

Illumina wins competitive tender to deliver sequencing
2014
2013
Genomics England setup as a Department of Health-owned company
2013
2012
Prime Minister David Cameron announces the 100,000 Genomes Project
2012
With any Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) test ordered, a Record of Discussion (RoD) form will also need to be submitted. This document is to record the patient’s consent for genomic testing and their choice on taking part in research. Guidance on the patient choice conversation can be found here
 
This RoD form will be available for clinicians to download from this webpage. Once completed with the patient, it can be send to the lab with the corresponding test order form and sample.
Tests available to order will be listed in the National Genomic Test Directory. A test order form will soon be made available for clinicians on this webpage to download and complete. This form will include the address of the laboratory that the appropriate sample and completed form needs to be sent to.
 
Until the new Genomic Laboratory Service goes live, please continue to follow existing test order processes.
 
Later this year, the online test ordering tool for Whole Genome Sequencing will be integrated into the National Genomics Informatics System (NGIS) and clinicians will be able to search or filter to find a clinical indication, confirm eligibility criteria and start the test request process for their patient.