Screening clinics to identify FH carriers

Saturday 27 July 2019

Guernsey's first genomic screening programme has been launched, with free clinics due to begin later this year.

It aims to identify and treat people in the Bailiwick with the genetic condition Familial Hypercholesterolaemia.

The Queens Road Medical Practice has been working with the Wessex Familial Hypercholesterolaemia Service on the programme, which is being supported by Butterfield, the Committee for Health and Social Care and the Health Innovation Charitable Trust.

FH is a hereditary condition which results in high levels of cholesterol and can lead to cardiovascular disease - the leading cause of preventable death in the developed world. If identified the condition can be treated with medication.

"Our aim is for this to become the most effective FH screening programme in the world," said Queens Road GP Dr Mat Dorrian.

Pictured: Dr Mat Dorrian. Image from qrmp.gg.

Dr Dorrian has an MSc in genomic medicine and will lead the programme with support from the team at the Wessex Familial Hypercholesterolaemia Service.

"Guernsey's close-knit population means once individual carriers of the FH gene are identified we can identify their relatives so they can also be tested if they wish," he continued.

"At Queens Road we're passionate about preventative healthcare. This innovative screening programme will use the latest genetic screening technology and our connected local community to help people in the islands with FH to live healthier lives.

"My dissertation was a feasibility study on setting up an FH clinic in Guernsey so to have the opportunity to bring it to life is very exciting."

The programme aims to identify as many FH gene carriers as possible over the next three years by holding a series of free genetic screening clinics. Candidates for the clinics can be referred by the GP or specialist and all testing and treatment will be free.

"We're really pleased to see this project move forward," said President of Health and Social Care Deputy Heidi Soulsby. "Preventative healthcare is a huge focus for us as we work to transform our wider health services through the Partnership of Purpose programme.

"By focusing on prevention we can deliver not only better healthcare but also care that offers better value for money."

Pictured: Deputy Heidi Soulsby.

The FH screening programme was launched at an educational event on Thursday, which was attended by local politicians as well as representatives from health and charitable organisations.

Consultant Genetic Counsellor and UK National Steering Group member for FH, Melanie Watson spoke at the event alongside Deputy Soulsby.

Ms Watson added: "The Wessex Familial Hypercholesterolaemia Service based at University Hospital Southampton is very excited to support this innovative primary care based FH genomic screening programme on Guernsey."

The first FH genomic screening clinic is due to take place in October this year.