An Australia-first integrated Clinical Genomics Unit that will transform the delivery of healthcare was opened today by Minister for Medical Research, Pru Goward.

Ms Goward said the St Vincent’s Clinical Genomics Unit, a partnership between the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and St Vincent’s Hospital, was one of the first of its type in the world, and helped to position NSW as a global leader in medical research.

“We know that to maintain a world class hospital system we must support it with innovative, translatable health and medical research,” Ms Goward said.

“The NSW Government is investing $24 million over four years into pioneering genomics research to deliver better health care to the people of NSW.

“NSW is at the forefront of the national and international effort in genomics and this Unit will benefit patients with a wide variety of diseases.

“Genome sequencing provides an opportunity to understand the genetic basis of disease for individual patients. It is a game changer which enables personalised care for our patients.”

Doctors from a variety of specialist units will be able to refer patients to the multidisciplinary clinic for a genetic consultation by a geneticist/genetic counsellor. Appropriate patients will then undergo clinical genomic testing and multidisciplinary analysis.

“For the first time, we will be able to access genomic information about our patients that will shine new light on their disease, enabling far more informed diagnoses and treatments,” Professor Jerry Greenfield, Founder of the St Vincent’s Clinical Genomics Unit said.

“Testing can potentially open up other options such as predictive testing for the relatives, allowing them to take preventive measures if appropriate,” Dr Kathy Wu, Lead Clinician Geneticist of the Unit said.