Genomics in Scotland strategy: island communities impact assessment
Island communities impact assessment (ICIA) for the Genomics in Scotland: Building our Future - a five-year national strategy (2024-2029).
Rationale for Government Intervention
In March 2022, NHS Services Scotland (NSS) National Services Division (NSD) published a Major Service Review of the four genomic laboratories in Scotland, with a set of recommendations including the need for an over-arching national strategic approach to genomic medicine. This was preceded by a report by the Scottish Science Advisory Council in 2019 which recommended a Scotland-wide approach to best support the development of genomic medicine in Scotland. If access to genomic testing and the benefits of genomic medicine in Scotland is to be equitable compared to the rest of the UK and other developed nations, then a more strategic approach to the transformation of existing services and our future development is needed.
We publish the strategy to provide direction for those who work in genomic medicine and allied disciplines in Scotland. It is important that Scottish Government sets out priority areas for genomic medicine across Scotland to make the best use of existing resources and provide clarity for decision makers to best realise the opportunities available through the advances in genomics.
Improving genomic medicine in Scotland is important in meeting our National Outcome that we are healthy and active, supporting timely diagnosis, treatment, care and targeted screening for people. Developing genomic medicine specifically is likely to assist with other national outcomes, particularly that we have a globally competitive, entrepreneurial, inclusive and sustainable economy; we are well educated, skilled and able to contribute to society; we have thriving and innovative businesses, with quality jobs and fair work for everyone; we respect, protect and fulfil human rights and live free from discrimination; and we are open, connected and make a positive contribution internationally.
In addition, delivery of this strategic ambition will be interdependent with a range of other plans in health and beyond, including:
Contact
Email: holly.ennis@gov.scot
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