Wales Genomic Health Centre (Canolfan Iechyd Genomig Cymru) at Cardiff Edge officially opened its doors on 7th December to serve as a cornerstone of Wales’ precision health ambition.
Genomics is one of the most exciting areas of modern health care, increasing our ability to understand the role our genes play in our health and revolutionising the way in which illness and disease are approached; with more personalised care and new approaches to public health made possible through use of ground-breaking new methods, tools and technologies.
Funded by the Welsh Government, the state-of-the-art facility will co-locate some of Wales’ leading experts in the field of genomics: Genomics Partnership Wales, the All Wales Medical Genomics Service (AWMGS), Pathogen Genomics Unit and Public Health Genomics Programme, and Wales Gene Park.
With the NHS at its heart, this collaborative environment combining industry and academia has been co-produced by staff across all partners, patients and members of the public.
The new space will be home to world-class clinical and research laboratories and purpose-built clinical spaces, bringing patients right alongside the research which will continue to expand their treatment options and improve care outcomes whilst simultaneously providing a calm, welcoming environment for them and their families.
Suzanne Rankin, Senior Responsible Officer for Genomics Partnership Wales, said:
“It is a privilege to work alongside all colleagues, partners and patient representatives who have come together in the design, development and launch of Canolfan Iechyd Genomig Cymru.”
“This is a ground-breaking piece of work which will see some of the leading experts in Welsh genomics converge to share vital knowledge and expertise. This co-location will drive innovation forward and support Wales in becoming a leading nation in this area of health care, whilst ultimately improving the lives of the patients who use these services and bringing huge benefits to the Welsh population.”
“I’d like to give my sincere thanks to everyone involved in the project; as well as Eluned Morgan MS and other Welsh Government colleagues, for their instrumental support in ensuring we can continue the growth of genomics in Wales.”
The development will house a suite of sequencing technologies, which will continue to facilitate and expand the study of the genome for humans, bacteria and viruses. When scientists embarked upon mapping this for the first time as part of The Human Genome Project, it took thirteen years, approximately three billion dollars and the work of a large number of individuals. The technology available at the CIGC is capable of mapping multiple human genomes in less than 48 hours; allowing the continuation of Wales’ ground-breaking genomics studies into life-changing areas of individual and public health.
So far these include a world-leading SARS-CoV-2 sequencing service in support of the COVID-19 pandemic response; a UK-first rapid whole-genome sequencing service to diagnose critically ill new-borns and infants; the UK’s first pharmacogenomic service for cancer patients to predict adverse reaction to specific chemotherapies and the use of ‘liquid biopsy’ technology via the QuicDNA clinical trial, which looks to shorten the diagnostic pathway for lung cancer patients.
The Minister for Health and Social Services, Eluned Morgan, said:
“I am delighted to officially open The Canolfan Iechyd Genomig Cymru and see first-hand how the NHS and academia are working together to revolutionise genomics and how we treat illnesses in the future.
“It is fantastic Welsh Government has been able to fund this state of the art facility and shows our commitments to advancing healthcare through genomics and precision medicine.
“We have already seen success with ground-breaking initiatives in this field and I hope this new facility will help build on this work and create more opportunities for genomics to transform healthcare, improve patient outcomes, and contribute to the prosperity of the people of Wales.
“The Canolfan Iechyd Genomig Cymru is more than a facility; it is a hub of knowledge, innovation, and hope for the future of healthcare in Wales.”
The co-location, which sees the refurbishment of an existing building at Cardiff Edge, will support all Partners in navigating the rapidly evolving genomics landscape with the aim of Wales becoming the first UK nation to demonstrate that genomics can benefit from true integration; pooled resources, co-production with patients, shared knowledge and expertise.
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