The cutting-edge technology works by quickly analysing the DNA or genetic code of a small tumour sample taken during biopsy or surgery, helping doctors identify what type of brain tumour the patient has.

Stuart Smith, consultant neurosurgeon at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and clinical associate Professor at the University of Nottingham, said: ‘I am very proud to have been part of this exceptional team creating this rapid genomic testing which will save valuable waiting time for patients who potentially are being told they don't have time on their side.

‘The ability to have detailed information about the tumour at the point when decisions are being made in the operating theatre is game-changing.'

Results can be delivered to the surgeon in under two hours while the operation is still under way – helping them decide how much of the tumour to safely remove while protecting healthy brain tissue.

The network is clinically led from Birmingham, with scientific leadership from Nottingham, and is being delivered through NHS Genomic Medicine Service teams across England.

The first phase will introduce the testing across University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Additional genomic laboratory sites in Bristol, Oxford, Leeds and Manchester will join in the second phase.

NHS England is investing more than £2m over two years in the Brain Cancer NHS Genomic Network of Excellence.