TSJCI Annual Report 2021

Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute Annual Report 2021 8 Section 1.2 Cancer Genetics 1.2.1 Key Developments during 2021 • Patient demand for cancer genetics continues to rise in 2021. The growing waiting list remains a critical challenge for the cancer genetics service. • Recruitment campaigns for Genetic Counsellors and supporting roles ongoing • With support from the NCCP, Dr Rosie O Shea was appointed Principal Genetic Counsellor (start date in early 2022). This is the first Principal Genetic Counsellor position at St James’s Hospital, a pivotal role for service development • Aoife Ruane, Cancer Genetics Data Manager joined the team in November 2021 • The cancer genetics service continued to adapt and develop its remote service model, providing patients with the option of virtual clinic appointments, in conjunction with genetic test kit delivery to their own home. This remote service model enabled telehealth clinics to continue and helped reduce hospital footfall and close contacts during challenging waves of high COVID infection levels and Government COVID restrictions • The implementation of Progeny software was a key priority for service development. Progeny is a cancer risk modelling and pedigree software that will improve quality and safety, patient pathway tracking, data collection and workflow. In collaboration with IMS, integration of the Progeny software with existing hospital systems progressed in preparation for a go-live date in 2022.