Collaborative Work: Healthwatch Tower Hamlets and NHS North Thames Genomics Medicine Services
The NHS Race and Health Observatory has strategically partnered with the NHS NTGMS to ensure there is better access, understanding and information to genomics medicine and research; tackling the underrepresentation of global majority populations in genomics.
The project aims to develop a digital health hub focused on improving access to genomics information and resources for diverse communities. The digital platform is co-produced with local communities through focus group sessions to help bridge the gap between genomic medicine and the public.
Find our more here: New Online Health Hub To Tackle Inequalities in Genomic Healthcare - NHS – Race and Health Observatory
Dr Shazia Mahamdallie, Health Equity Lead, North Thames Genomic Medicine Service (NT GMS) said:
“Genomic medicine has the power to help us all live healthier lives through improved diagnostics, personalised treatments and disease prevention. However, a lack of awareness and tailored information can prevent advances in genomics from reaching everyone.
Across the NT GMS, we are working to ensure that genomic testing within the NHS closes health gaps rather than widens them. That is why we are putting our diverse communities at the very heart of the new North Thames Genomics Health Hub. We are being led by evidence and are bringing local people’s voices directly into the Hub’s design and content and, through this collaboration, we aim to build the trust needed to tackle historical underrepresentation.”
Our Role
NTGMS reached out to Healthwatch Tower Hamlets due to our work within the local, diverse community of Tower Hamlets. To facilitate the focus group session, we reached out to all our volunteers, stakeholders and other networks to gather participants of South Asian and/or Afro-Caribbean background as they are underrepresented in genomics research.
The session was a great success, with insightful and productive feedback from our participants. The following topics were covered during the 2 hour session:
- The foundations of DNA, genomics and genetic testing, including the benefits of each.
- Various pages of the website, outlining the process of genetic testing and how it can be beneficial to the community
- During the session, the participants were very involved and vocal about their opinions, which were quite varied on things like the visuals, language, type of logo and use of diagrams.
- The importance of consent and reducing distrust within underrepresented communities was highlighted by participants.
The session was fantastic, and the feedback shared was incredibly insightful.
It has been a pleasure working with you and the Healthwatch Tower Hamlets team, and we're very grateful for the valuable feedback from participants.
