Failure to appoint national genetics lead

David Lynch

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PAGE 19 icies introduced to this scheme”.

Prior to centralisation “there may have been different interpretations as to what constituted a valid claim”.

The number of claims approved or rejected per month varied depending on the number received; clinical information provided; and availability of medical officers for review.

Claims are returned to GPs to enable them to provide additional clinical detail. Some 130,782 claims were reviewed last year.

The HSE has failed to appoint a national genetics and genomics lead after two “extensive international” search campaigns, the Medical Independent (MI) has been informed.

The search for a national genetics and genomics lead began in September 2020. At the time, the HSE told this newspaper that a company had been appointed to conduct a formal search campaign for the post.

In May 2021, MI reported that the development of a national genomics strategy would begin after the appointment of a new national lead for genomics, as outlined by the HSE.

The absence of a national strategy on genomics was a central theme at an online conference on bioethics hosted by the Royal Irish Academy in May 2021.

However, this month the HSE said the search for a new lead had not been successful to date.

“The HSE advertised for the post of national genetics and genomics lead on two occasions and following an extensive international search campaign no appointment was made,” a spokesperson told MI

“Pending the future appointment of a national lead, a priority for the HSE is to develop a single national strategy and implementation plan for genetics and genomics. This piece of work has been commissioned by the Chief Clinical Officer of the HSE, with the strategy expected to be completed in late 2022.

“In relation to cancer genetics specifically, the development of a model of care for cancer genetics has been prioritised.”

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Date of preparation: September 2021