The service, which delivers NHS genomic testing across Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and surrounding areas, brings together NHS organisations, clinicians, researchers, patients and partners to improve healthcare through genomics, enabling earlier diagnosis, more personalised treatments and improved outcomes.

Maria Kane, chief executive of Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and senior responsible officer for the South West NHS Genomic Medicine Service, said: ‘As host organisation, Bristol NHS Foundation Trust is proud to bring together partners from across the South West to build a service that is innovative, collaborative and focused on improving outcomes for patients now and in the future.

‘Together, we have an opportunity to help shape a future where healthcare is increasingly personalised, predictive and preventative, ensuring people across the South West benefit from the latest advances in science, research and clinical care.'

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust will work in partnership with organisations including Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust to provide laboratory and clinical genomic services for patients across the South West.

Alexandra Pickard has been appointed chief operating officer for the South West NHS Genomic Medicine Service and Professor Emma Baple has been appointed as the service's clinical director. Both will take up their posts this autumn.