The framework for Victorian genetic services

Overview

Recent advances in human genetics such as the mapping of the human genome, technology moving from the laboratory to the health care setting, increased awareness of genetic issues in the community and identification of links between individual genomes, disease occurrence and treatment responsiveness have all resulted in a higher profile role for genetics in healthcare and illness prevention.  The unique ability of genetic testing to predict the level of individual risk for inherited medical conditions based on an individual’s genome enables those individuals, in conjunction with their healthcare professionals, to decide on interventions that may delay or in some instances even avoid onset of some medical conditions.  Thus, genetic services have the potential to ease (if not avoid) immense individual suffering.

Genetic services policy in Victoria is currently guided by Genetics Services Strategy for Victoria 2005 – 2009.  This document is due to sunset in 2009 and planning is underway to replace it with a refreshed strategy in 2010 that will take Victorian genetic services forward over the next five years.

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Genetics Services Strategy for Victoria 2005 - 2009 (715kb, pdf)