Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how much funding was allocated to the NHS Genomic Medicine Service in the most recent financial year for which data is available.

The seven National Health Service Genomic Laboratory Hubs (GLHs) are commissioned by NHS England and NHS Improvement. The information requested on the budget for each GLH and funding allocated to the NHS Genomic Medicine Service is not held in the format requested. While NHS England and NHS Improvement allocate some resources through specialised commissioning and highly specialised services, funding is also provided through local commissioning budgets which is not held centrally.

The National Genomic Test Directory currently covers over 3,000 rare and inherited diseases and the majority of solid and haematological cancers. The national genomic testing strategy focuses on implementing comprehensive DNA and RNA testing through to a full repertoire of genomic testing up to the level of whole exome and whole genome sequencing to drive efficiency and productivity. The National Genomic Test Directory is reviewed on an annual basis to keep pace with scientific, clinical and technological advances, while delivering value for money for the NHS. The strategic approach of the NHS Genomic Medicine Service is also informed by the NHS Long Term Plan and the Government’s strategy for healthcare genomics, Genome UK.