New genetic warning system could ‘improve patient care’ by identifying novel diseases and potential treatments

Library image. Credit: Getty/Cavan Images

By Daniel Pye and Jane Kirby, PA Media

A world-first genetic warning system is set to “revolutionise” diagnoses, patient care and pandemic preparedness by identifying novel diseases and predicting the effectiveness of treatments, according to NHS England.

The surveillance programme, run by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), will see experts rapidly checking NHS samples for pathogens that could lead to serious future outbreaks of disease.