Health and Care Innovation Expo 2015
This week saw a vibrant and enlightening conference showcasing the latest developments in genomics and healthcare
On a rainy Wednesday 2nd September, around 5,000 delegates and exhibitors all gathered at Manchester Central for the first day of the 2015 Health and Care Innovation Expo, reports Charlotte Murray.
The Genomics Education Programme (GEP) team joined partners Genomics England and NHS England on the 100,000 Genomes Project stand to showcase the latest educational resources and courses developed to support the programme.
Hosted by NHS England, the conference brought together delegates and speakers from across the UK and Europe to discuss new models of care designed to transform and modernise healthcare services.
Delegates came to visit our shared exhibition stand to learn more about genomics, including how DNA is sequenced, what happens with the results, and how these are interpreted. Many were also keen to learn about the GEP’s educational resources, factsheets and videos, a number of which were available to view at the stand.
Genomics England’s Public Engagement Officer Vivienne Parry premiered an informative new animation outlining the way in which patient data from the 100,000 Genomes Project will be used, locking onto one of this year’s key themes of data governance.
Many delegates attended an enlightening session with Professor Sue Hill OBE, NHS England’s Chief Scientific Officer, and Professor Bill Newman from St Mary’s Hospital Manchester, who talked about changes in clinical care and how genomics is helping to drive transformation. It was particularly poignant and interesting to hear from Seana Donaghy, who was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition she had inherited from her mother. She explained how her diagnosis had affected her immediate family and the positive outcomes from her genomic testing.
Meanwhile, we were delighted to welcome to our stand Secretary of State for Health Jeremy Hunt MP, shortly before his keynote speech on the use of technology to improve healthcare. We were also visited by Department of Health Permanent Secretary Dame Una O’Brien, NHS England Chair Sir Malcolm Grant, and George Freeman MP, who credited us collectively with supporting ongoing work in genomics to ensure the NHS remains the world leader in genomic medicine.
Finally, we would like to say a big thank you to everyone who participated and visited our stand during the conference for making it such an interesting and exciting event. If you would like to learn more about genomics in healthcare, explore our courses and resources, or apply to join our Master’s programme, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Charlotte Murray is communications officer for HEE’s Genomics Education Programme.
