New partnership driving conversations about ethnicity, race & ancestry

This month we celebrated the creation of a new partnership which will drive conversations about ethnicity, race and ancestry and construct pathways to ensure improved access to genomic services for those from ethnic minority backgrounds.

The collaboration brings together the NHS South East Genomic Medicine Service, the Centre for Personalised Medicine at the University of Oxford and the Central & South Genomic Medicine Service Alliance. Working together with both patients and professionals we will undertake a research and engagement programme over the next 15 months funded by the Race & Health Observatory.

Key commentators from across the genomic community came together in Oxford at the Centre for Personalised Medicine this month to launch the partnership and kick start the conversation.

Dr Veline L’Esperance, Senior Clinical Advisor at the NHS Race and Health Observatory, said:

“This project is a critical step in addressing the inequities that exist in genomic medicine. We know that Black and ethnic minority communities have historically been underrepresented in research and have faced unequal access to care. By working collaboratively across NHS services, we can begin to dismantle these barriers and ensure that precision medicine truly benefits everyone. This work is long overdue and will lay the foundation for a more inclusive healthcare system.”

Dr Frances Elmslie, Clinical Director for the South East Genomic Medicine Service Alliance said:
“Genomics is at the cutting edge of healthcare, but to achieve its full potential we must ensure that no communities are left behind. This project, in partnership with the NHS Race and Health Observatory, will help us better understand where disparities exist and how we can eliminate them. We are committed to creating a healthcare system where precision medicine is accessible to all patients, regardless of their ethnic background.”

Professor Anneke Lucassen, Director of the Centre for Personalised Medicine at the University of Oxford, said:

“Genomic medicine promises many improvements in healthcare, but we must ensure it is available to all, and that existing biases in genomic data are addressed. Doing so involves understanding the complex socio-cultural dynamics that constitute ethnicity and their implications for capturing genomic diversity. This work will examine these complexities and explore the fluid and overlapping concepts of race, ethnicity, ancestry and heritage to improve access for all.”

Philandra Costello, Lead Nurse at NHS Central and South Genomics said:

“Across the NHS GMS geographies, we have been investigating the state of play for Black and ethnic minority communities, with research suggesting that disparities are apparent. On the ground, we want to widen access to genetic testing and participation in research for all communities, removing barriers and ensuring we are offering the benefits of genomic medicine to underrepresented groups. We’re really excited to be working with the RHO, University of Oxford, and our colleagues in the South East to continue advancing this work. Together, we aim to leverage our combined expertise and resources to ensure that diverse communities are engaged, informed, and valued throughout the project.”

We will continue to keep you updated on our progress through our website.