The UK government’s recently announced plan to build a new genomics population health service is a big step forward – and it’s great to see nurses recognised as central to its success. Whether it’s identifying patients for testing or helping families understand complex results, nurses are uniquely placed to make genomics more accessible, inclusive, and person-centred across hospitals, primary care, and in the community.

The RCN has long championed the integration of genomics into education and everyday practice. We welcome the ambition - but we’re also clear about what’s needed to make it work. This programme must align with the RCN’s Nursing Workforce Standards. That means safe staffing levels, strong nursing leadership in decision-making, healthy working environments, and contractually funded, protected time for CPD. Nurses need the space and support to build their genomics skills - without adding pressure to already stretched teams.

Parity of esteem between physical and mental health is vital. Advances in genomics must benefit people with mental health conditions, who face poorer physical health outcomes and reduced life expectancy. Genomics must be designed to reach them too - through mental health services, community care, and tailored support. This is about fairness, and it’s non-negotiable.

Tackling health inequalities must be a core aim, not an afterthought. Genomics should help prevent illness, not deepen existing gaps. That means culturally sensitive care, targeted outreach, and clear, accessible information in every community. The RCN continues to push for action on the social factors that shape health and for prevention to be embedded in policy and practice.

Nowhere is the opportunity clearer than in cancer care. Genomic testing can spot inherited risks (for example, BRCA or Lynch) early, helping people access screening, targeted therapies, and better outcomes. Nurses play a key role here: assessing risk; supporting consent; guiding treatment; and helping families understand their options. Our cancer resources are designed to support nurses in building these skills across different roles and settings.

The same applies to other preventable or manageable long-term conditions. In osteoporosis, for example, nurses can help identify people at higher risk - through family history, case finding and fracture liaison services. This can prevent life-changing fractures and improve quality of life. But nurses need clear protocols, training, and national guidance – like the guidelines from NOGG - to do this well.

Genomics can also make a real difference for people with learning disabilities and genetic syndromes (for example, Down’s, Fragile X, Williams). These individuals often encounter barriers to timely diagnosis and coordinated care. Nurses – especially learning disability nurses – are key to ensuring equitable access, reasonable adjustments, and proactive health monitoring.

Nurses are ready to lead this next chapter of personalised healthcare. But leadership cannot be delivered on goodwill alone. If we want genomics to be safely and effectively embedded in routine care, we need proper investment - enough staff, with the right skills, in the right places - supported, valued, and listened to.

With those foundations in place, genomics becomes a powerful tool in nurses’ hands: helping diagnose earlier, prevent avoidable illness, and close the health gap for future generations.

Read more

Nurses to lead new genomic services, Westminster government announces | Royal College of Nursing

Genomics | Royal College of Nursing

NHS Genomic Medicine Service | NHS England