Summary

New genetic and genomic technologies have the potential to revolutionise medicine and public health. The Genomics for Precision Medicine Strategy sets out the Welsh Government’s plan to create a sustainable, internationally competitive environment for genetics and genomics to improve health and healthcare provision for the people of Wales.

In March 2016, the Welsh Government published a Statement of Intent (SoI) outlining the key principles that would underpin the development of a Genomics for Precision Medicine Strategy. Since March, the Taskforce has consulted widely with stakeholders through a series of workshops, focus groups and 1:1 meetings, and feedback and comments from these meetings has informed the development of the Strategy. The Strategy outlines the key initial actions, as part of a 5-10 year plan that will: 

• Develop internationally-recognised medical and public health genomics services in Wales – that are innovative, responsive and well-connected to the major genetics and genomics initiatives that are evolving worldwide.
• Develop internationally-recognised research in genomics and excellent platforms for precision medicine, with All-Wales leadership and coordination and strong links to clinical genetics.
• Be outward-looking, and actively seek out partnerships that can strengthen genomics and precision medicine services and research in Wales, with a focus on those partnerships that will bring the biggest benefits for patients.
• Develop the NHS and research workforce in Wales, in recognition that this investment will have the biggest impact on our ability to realise the potential of genomics and precision medicine for patient benefit.