The NHS North West Genomic Medicine Service Alliance (NW GMSA) has been taking the region by storm with its recent series of Genomic Cafes.
Over the last year, the Alliance’s education and training team have brought genomics to healthcare professionals, patients and the public, at 12 genomic cafes within 13 locations across the North West; from Barrow in Furness to Tameside, Blackpool to Blackburn, and Wigan to the Wirral. The team have engaged with just under 1,100 professionals, patients and public during the last 12 months.
Dr. Glenda Beaman, education and training lead for the Alliance clearly values the initiative; "The 'genomic cafes' provide the opportunity to meet informally with professionals, patients and the public, to chat, engage, answer or ask questions, share stories, and learn more about genomics. I should add that no hot drinks are involved, but the cafe provides the chance to introduce ourselves, the Alliance, and start conversations about genomics and genomic medicine."
This initiative has received overwhelming support from hospital Trusts, and as the Genomic Cafes continue across the North West, the Alliance hopes to demystify genomics, making it accessible to everyone.
Contact the Alliance via contactus@nw-gmsa.nhs.uk to request a café at your place of work so that you can join the conversation!