Now available to all, these webinars are packed with insightful presentations and compelling patient stories

Health Education England’s Genomics Education Programme (HEE GEP), in partnership with NHS England and NHS Improvement and the RCNi, co-developed the webinar series ‘From Niche to Necessity: Genomics in Routine Care’, which ran in summer 2021.

Developed for nurses, midwives and health visitors with little to no prior knowledge of genomics, the three webinars explored how genomics is changing healthcare and the opportunities it can bring to healthcare professionals and patients.

Each webinar featured contributions from senior figures (see some of their comments below), practising nurses and midwives, as well as patients and their families. The webinars were watched by more than 1,400 attendees.

You can view all the webinars below. We have provided a full itinerary with time stamps, so you can skip to the presentations most relevant to you.

FEEDBACK FROM ATTENDEES

The webinar series was one of the most well-attended in the RCNi’s history, and prompted some glowing feedback, featured here.

“One of the best webinars I have ever attended and I've learnt loads. Thank you."
2021-11-19T14:28:05+00:00
“One of the best webinars I have ever attended and I've learnt loads. Thank you."
“Brilliant webinar - I loved the diverse roles of the speakers.”
2021-11-19T14:28:31+00:00
“Brilliant webinar - I loved the diverse roles of the speakers.”
“All questions well answered. Shows that we have the right people talking to us about this subject.”
2021-11-19T14:29:00+00:00
“All questions well answered. Shows that we have the right people talking to us about this subject.”
“Really inspiring session - thank you all.”
2021-11-19T14:29:27+00:00
“Really inspiring session - thank you all.”
“Thank you very much – very informative webinar. Will definitely share with colleagues.”
2021-11-19T14:29:47+00:00
“Thank you very much – very informative webinar. Will definitely share with colleagues.”
“This series of three webinars have been excellent. Thank you all.”
2021-11-19T14:30:20+00:00
“This series of three webinars have been excellent. Thank you all.”

What is genomics?

The first webinar in the series answers everyone’s opening question: What is genomics? And why do nurses, midwives and health visitors need to know about it? And, finally, how will genomics change their practice for the benefit of patients?

Opening remarks by Ruth May, chief nursing officer, NHS England and NHS Improvement.

Webinar 1 itinerary

0:00:00: Welcome and introductions – Professor Janice Sigsworth, director of nursing, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, national professional lead for nursing and midwifery, NHS England and NHS Improvement Genomics Unit

0:07:50: Opening remarks – Ruth May, chief nursing officer, NHS England and NHS Improvement

0:12:00: How genomics is changing healthcare – Dame Professor Sue Hill, chief scientific officer, NHS England and NHS Improvement

0:34:40: What is genomics and what does it mean for nurses, midwives and health visitors? – Gill Moss, lead nurse, nursing and midwifery, NHS England and NHS Improvement Genomics Unit

0:44:55: Genomics in clinical practice: ‘Libby’s legacy’ – Tracie Miles, genomics practitioner, South West Genomics Medicine Service Alliance

1:12:50: The role of the clinical scientist in genomics – Holly Ellis, clinical scientist, North West Genomic Laboratory Hub

1:24:35: Talking genomics: addressing common questions from patients and families – Amanda Pichini, registered genetic counsellor, Bristol Regional Clinical Genetics Service

1:38:30: Q&A and panel discussion – All presenters; chaired by Fraser Woodward, head of communications and engagement, NHS England and NHS Improvement

1:54:00: Closing remarks and thank yous – Professor Janice Sigsworth

How is genomics changing healthcare?

The second webinar highlights how genomics is already being used in healthcare to bring benefit to patients, including some real-life examples and patient stories from nursing and midwifery practice.

Opening remarks by Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent, chief midwifery officer, NHS England and NHS Improvement.

Webinar 2 itinerary

0:00:00: Welcome and introductions – Professor Janice Sigsworth, director of nursing, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, national professional lead for nursing and midwifery, NHS England and NHS Improvement Genomics Unit

0:03:35: Opening remarks – Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent, chief midwifery officer, NHS England and NHS Improvement

0:11:10: NHS Genomics Medicine Service: Changing the landscape in healthcare – Sarah Armstrong-Klein, senior improvement adviser, Genomics in Nursing and Midwifery, NHS England and NHS Improvement

0:19:40: Sudden cardiac death – Professor Bill Newman, professor of translational genomic medicine and clinical director of the North West Genomics Medicine Service Alliance

0:34:30: Genomics in clinical practice: Jen’s story – Peta Navein, genetics diabetes nurse, North West Genomic Medicine Service Alliance

0:48:00: Q&A part 1 and panel discussion – All presenters; chaired by Fraser Woodward, head of communications and engagement, NHSE/I

1:08:50: Genomics in maternity care: Elsie’s story – Donna Kirwan, lead midwife, nursing and midwifery, NHS England and NHS Improvement Genomics Unit; Emily and Phil Gregson (Elsie’s parents)

1:36:16: West Midlands Familial Hypercholesterolemia Service: Cascading an innovative model of delivery – Elaine George, lead advanced clinical practitioner and clinical manager, West Midlands Familial Hypercholesterolaemia Service

1:55:10: Genomics in cancer care – Vicky Cuthill, lead nurse/manager, Polyposis Registry and Family Cancer Clinic, St Marks

2:05:47: Closing remarks and thank yous – Professor Janice Sigsworth

Note: Owing to timing constraints, we were unable to hold a second Q&A session.

Genomics: It’s my time to learn!

The third webinar looks at how nurses, midwives and healthcare visitors are being upskilled to support genomic medicine, including examples of how to help get them up to speed with what they need to know for their own practice.

Opening remarks by Professor Mark Radford, chief nurse, HEE.

Webinar 3 itinerary

0:00:00: Welcome and introductions – Professor Chris Morley, North East and Yorkshire Genomic Medicine Service Alliance

0:04:45: Opening remarks – Professor Mark Radford, chief nurse, HEE

0:11:00: Assessing the integration of genomics into nursing and midwifery practice – Professor Emma Tonkin, associate professor, University of South Wales

0:26:40: 100,000 Genomes: Jonny, Sue and Jayne’s Story – Michaela Thomson, research practitioner, Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust

0:39:40: From niche to necessity – development of nursing skills in genomics and counselling via a short online post-graduate module – Professor Aniko Varadi, professor in biomedical research, University of the West of England; Mel Watson, education and training lead, South West Genomics Laboratory Hub

0:53:25: Genomics Good Practice Points: Empowering health visitors in their understanding of genomics – Sally Shillaker, professional development officer, Institute of Health Visiting

1:17:30: The Genomics Education Programme – Ed Miller, senior education and development officer, HEE GEP

1:25:49: Q&A and panel discussion – All presenters; chaired by Alison Pope, programme manager, HEE GEP

1:57:28: Closing remarks and thank yous – Professor Chris Morley

Why we created the webinar series

“Nurses and midwives form the largest collective professional workforce in the NHS, which puts them right at the centre of our work to utilise the full potential of genomics to enable more comprehensive and personalised care for patients.

“As we go into an era of genomics-enabled healthcare, it is right that we anchor nurses and midwives in all we do. This is why we have facilitated these webinars, recognising that in addition to their clinical practice, they also play a vital role as advocates for patients and their families.”

Professor Dame Sue Hill, chief scientific officer for England and senior responsible officer for genomics, NHS England and NHS Improvement

“Nurses and midwives have a key role to play in genomics and that is the importance of this webinar.

“In a few years’ time, genomics will be in every part of our conversation and every part of our clinical practice, and that is where I want it to be.”

Ruth May, chief nursing officer, NHS England and NHS Improvement

“I’m delighted to be here to talk about this phenomenal, exciting and innovative subject of genomics and how we together as an NHS will progress healthcare beyond our wildest imagination.”

Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent, chief midwifery officer, NHS England and NHS Improvement

“It’s really exciting to talk about the genomics agenda and it’s something I’m proud to participate in and support nationally with nursing, midwifery, allied health professionals, scientists and medics across the country.

“As an ever-developing part of our healthcare, it’s the future of how we deliver some of our services and drive improvements in outcomes for our patients and our communities.”

Professor Mark Radford, chief nurse, HEE

Learn more about genomics

Are you inspired to find out more about genomics and its impact on healthcare? Explore our website for educational opportunities, read about the impact of genomics in your practice, and check out our blog for accessible weekly updates on the latest developments in genomics.