World-leading genomics centre provides personalised approach to medicine

Published: 28-Jun-2021

Genmed signs vendor-neutral managed genomics laboratory service contract with Cambridge trust


Genmed has embarked on a four-year collaboration with Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to provide a vendor-neutral managed genomics laboratory service within Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

The trust is the lead organisation for the East Genomics Laboratory Hub (East GLH); one of seven hubs within England set up to introduce genomic testing into mainstream medicine.

The East GLH serves 8.3 million people in the East Midlands and East of England with laboratories in Cambridge, Leicester and Nottingham.

The service provides a genomic testing service for rare diseases, cancer, and haematological malignancy.

Operations manager, Colin Carr, said: “The key function of the hub is to deliver genomic testing to help provide early diagnosis for people with certain conditions, including rare disease and cancer, as well as vital information which can predict how individual patients will respond to treatment.”

As the health service recovers from COVID-19 and the number of outpatient appointments increase, having greater capacity to deal with increased throughput of samples is essential

Genmed was appointed under an NHS framework agreement and selected by the trust to provide a laboratory managed service contract.

This deal enables the trust to save time and resources as Genmed manages certain aspects of the laboratory service, including management of its suppliers.

Saskia Neuert, senior genetic technologist at East GLH, said: “The new way of working allows staff more time to concentrate on their clinical work, which is very helpful for workflow in the laboratory.

“As the health service recovers from COVID-19 and the number of outpatient appointments increase, having greater capacity to deal with increased throughput of samples is essential.”

Genmed’s chief executive, Jonathan Wedgbury, adds: “The managed service contract allows the trust’s leading genetics team to concentrate on supporting improved patient outcomes, utilising the latest state-of-the-art products and technology.”

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