SFH to learn more about genomic medicine in UK
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During her three-day visit in the UK, Professor Chan and her delegation will meet with the senior management of Genomics England, which is a company wholly owned by the UK Department of Health and Social Care to deliver the 100,000 Genomes Project. The delegation will also visit Guy's Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital to understand the genetic and genomic services and the hospitals' roles in the 100,000 Genomes Project. The delegation will also meet with representatives from Genetic Alliance UK, which is a patient organisation involved in the 100,000 Genomes Project, and Cancer Research UK, a charity supporting research in cancer.
Before returning to Hong Kong on January 10 (UK time), the delegation will visit the Wellcome Genome Campus in Hinxton and meet with professionals who are involved in various stages of the 100,000 Genomes Project.
"Genomic medicine is an important sphere in contemporary medicine and scientific research, with huge potential in screening, diagnosis and clinical application, as well as precision medicine," Professor Chan said.
"The Chief Executive has accepted the Steering Committee on Genomic Medicine's recommendation to conduct a large-scale genome sequencing project (the Hong Kong Genomic Project) in Hong Kong in order to enhance the clinical application of genomic medicine.
"We will take the opportunity to learn from genomic experts in the UK in planning forward the Hong Kong Genomic Project."
The delegation will also include the Permanent Secretary for Food and Health (Health), Ms Elizabeth Tse, and representatives from the Food and Health Bureau, the Department of Health and the Hospital Authority.
Professor Chan will arrive in Hong Kong on January 11. The Under Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Chui Tak-yi, will be the Acting Secretary for Food and Health during her absence.
Ends/Monday, January 7, 2019
Issued at HKT 14:00
Issued at HKT 14:00
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