Government White Paper on Genetics

On 24^th July, the Secretary of State for Health, John Reid, presented a White Paper on genetics to Parliament. This paper has been awaited by the genetics community, and signals a significant gear change in the approach to genetics as an integral part of the provision of health services in the United Kingdom. A former president of the RCP, Lord Turnberg, chaired an Advisory Panel that had an obvious influence on the final document.

The White Paper addresses the value of genetics in diagnosis of disease and the development of effective therapies. While there are plans to increase staff levels within specialist genetic services, the emphasis is clearly on utilisation of genetics in all other areas of health care. Primary care is identified as a key area for development, but the need to invest in the education of health professionals from all disciplines is emphasised. Significant monies are being allocated to underpin these initiatives, and investment for research into new knowledge applications is planned.

Before the announcement in Parliament, the Chair of the Joint Committee for Medical Genetics was invited to the breakfast seminar at Number 10 Downing Street for a seminar to discuss these issues with the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Health. The previous Chair of the JCMG (Professor Farndon) and other current members were also present. Issues of direct concern to the JCMG, such as the training of scientists and the challenge of raising awareness of the need for genetics knowledge in the NHS, were raised at that meeting.

The Joint Committee for Medical Genetics welcomes the very practical and appropriate recommendations of the White Paper, and anticipates making a substantial contribution in converting some of the recommendations, particularly those connected with genetics education of health professionals, into reality.

Dr Heather Skirton

Chair, JCMG