Genetic Experts UK

09/08/2026

Our CEO, Vicki Kiesel, was honoured to join ‘It Starts with You – On the Road’ with BBC Radio Derby on Friday 7th August at Meadowside Leisure Centre in Burton. Together with Dr Rachel Harrison and BBC presenter Becky Measures, Vicki highlighted the crucial role of family history in identifying hereditary cancer and ensuring people can access the right support.

Vicki engaged with attendees who had concerns about their family histories, offering expert advice on when genetic counselling or genetic testing may be appropriate. Events like this are essential for raising awareness and supporting families to feel informed and empowered.

06/08/2026

August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Awareness Month —
A chance to raise awareness of a rare genetic condition and the important changes now happening in newborn screening across the UK.

SMA affects the nerves that control movement. This can lead to muscle weakness and, in the most serious cases, babies can become very unwell early in life. The good news is that new genetic tests and treatments are changing what is possible for children with SMA.

Why early diagnosis matters:
With SMA, timing is vital. Once some nerve cells are damaged or lost, they cannot be repaired. Finding SMA as early as possible means treatment can start before symptoms appear, giving babies the best chance of better outcomes.
The UK is now moving towards testing babies for SMA soon after birth:
Scotland has already started a national newborn screening pathway for SMA.

England is planning a phased rollout of newborn screening from October 2026, with full coverage expected by October 2027.
The test would use the routine heel-prick blood spot test already offered to newborn babies, helping families access specialist support and treatment much sooner.

SMA in the UK:
Around 70 babies are born with SMA in the UK each year.
About 1 in 40 to 1 in 50 people are carriers of an SMA gene change, usually without knowing.

How Genetic Experts can help:
If you are planning a family, or would like to understand whether you could be a carrier, genetic information can feel confusing or overwhelming. Genetic Experts offers private carrier screening and support from registered genetic counsellors, helping you understand your results and your options in clear, practical terms.

How you can get involved this month:
1. Share this post to help more people learn about SMA and newborn screening.
2. Support rare disease charities such as Spinal Muscular Atrophy UK.
3. Help raise awareness of the need for equal access to newborn screening across the UK.

Visit www.geneticexperts.co.uk to learn more about carrier testing and family planning support.

21/07/2026

SMA newborn screening approval welcomed as a major step forward for babies and families 21.7.2026

Genetic Experts welcomes the announcement that newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) will be introduced across England as part of a national evaluation programme, with laboratory testing expected to begin from October 2026.

SMA is a rare inherited neuromuscular condition that causes progressive muscle weakness and can affect a child’s ability to move, swallow and breathe. Around 1 in 16,000 births in the UK are affected by SMA. Early diagnosis is critical because treatments now available through the NHS can be most effective when started before symptoms and muscle weakness develop.

The new screening programme will use the existing newborn blood spot test, often known as the heel prick test, to identify babies who may have SMA shortly after birth. Earlier identification means families can be referred promptly for specialist assessment and treatment, giving affected babies the best possible chance of improved outcomes.

Summary

*SMA is an autosomal recessive genetic condition caused by changes in the SMN1 gene.
*Symptoms can include progressive muscle weakness, difficulties with movement, swallowing and breathing.
*Early treatment before symptoms develop can significantly improve outcomes for affected babies.
*The programme is expected to begin from October 2026 as part of an NHS England in-service evaluation.

Source:

All babies in England will be screened for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

19/07/2026

South Asian Heritage Month (18 July–17 August)

As we celebrate South Asian Heritage Month, we are recognising the richness, diversity and contributions of people with roots in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka
This year's theme, Unity in Diversity, is especially meaningful in genomic medicine. Every person's genetic story is unique, shaped by ancestry, family history and lived experience. Improving diversity in genetic research helps make diagnoses more accurate, reduces health inequalities and ensures the benefits of genomic medicine are shared more fairly.

By listening to communities, improving representation in research and providing culturally responsive care, we can help build a more inclusive future for everyone.

This South Asian Heritage Month, let's celebrate diversity, champion health equity and recognise that better representation in genomics leads to better healthcare for all.

16/07/2026

**Celebrating Outstanding Leadership**

We are delighted to share that **Genetic Experts** Founder and CEO, **Vicki Kiesel**, has been nominated for the **UHL Compassionate and Inclusive Leader Award** in recognition of her compassionate, supportive and inclusive leadership.

Colleagues praised Vicki for creating an environment where people feel valued, encouraged and empowered to reach their full potential. Her leadership has helped foster a culture of kindness, collaboration and professional growth.

One colleague shared how Vicki recognised their potential at the very beginning of their career, supporting them into a role within the team after completing their training. They described how her encouragement helped build their confidence, opened up new development opportunities and played a significant role in shaping their career.

Another colleague described Vicki as a knowledgeable, dedicated and inspiring leader whose commitment and positive example have made a lasting impact on both the department and those around her.

Reflecting on the nomination, Vicki said:

*"I feel genuinely humbled and very grateful to have been nominated by colleagues. It means a great deal to know that my approach has helped others feel supported, valued and able to grow. I feel privileged to work with such dedicated people, and I am continually inspired by the team around me."*

Everyone at Genetic Experts congratulates Vicki on this well-deserved recognition. This nomination is a testament to her exceptional leadership and her unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace where colleagues can thrive.

Congratulations, Vicki!

14/07/2026

Vicki, our CEO & Founder, is delighted to see the UK Cancer Genetics Group's new position statement published following the recent consensus meeting, which she was privileged to contribute to.

This publication represents an important collaborative effort to establish consensus on recontact and follow-up for individuals with germline pathogenic variants in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility genes. As genomic knowledge continues to evolve, clear guidance on recontact and long-term follow-up is essential to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care.

Congratulations to everyone involved in developing this important consensus statement.

Reference
Christopher J, Edgerley K, McIldowie B, Consensus Meeting Attendees, et al. Recontact and follow-up for individuals with germline pathogenic variants in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility genes: a UK Cancer Genetics Group consensus meeting. Journal of Medical Genetics. 2026;63:57–63.

https://jmg.bmj.com/content/63/1/57

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04/07/2026

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand new website! 🎉

At Genetic Experts UK, we are dedicated to providing reliable, trusted, and compassionate genetic services. Whether you are seeking a personalised cancer risk assessment, specialised genetic counselling, or post-test guidance to help you understand your results, our team of highly experienced, HCPC and AHCS-registered genetic counsellors are here to support you every step of the way.

Our new website makes it easier than ever to explore our comprehensive range of services, meet our expert team, and book your telephone or Zoom consultation directly online. We believe that understanding your genetics should be accessible and clear, and our redesigned online home reflects our commitment to empowering you with the knowledge to protect your future health.

Visit us today to discover how we can help you and your family navigate your genetic health with confidence.

👉 Explore the new site here: https://geneticexperts.co.uk/

Expert genetic counselling delivered by UK-based, HCPC/AHCS-registered genetic counsellors. Book a telephone or Zoom consultation today.

04/07/2026

Meet the Team

Kirsty Guiton - Practice Manager

Experienced Practice Manager providing operational and patient-facing support. Strong organisational skills, warm professional manner. Responsibilities: data entry, record management, coordinating appointments, diary management, patient liaison. Previously 30+ years as self-employed nanny, Chair of Lincoln Toy Library (10 years). Trained in bookkeeping, accounting, business administration.

04/07/2026

Meet the Team

Lily White - Genetic Counsellor

HCPC registered Genetic Counsellor, expertise across full spectrum of genomic medicine. Particular expertise in PALB2 guidance, developed clinical protocols. Supports individuals and families with range of genetic conditions and cancers, calm and compassionate approach.

04/07/2026

Meet the Team

Niamh Marshall - Genetic Counsellor

HCPC Registered Genetic Counsellor, wide range of genetic conditions and cancers. Calm, compassionate approach, specialises in making complex genetic information accessible. Currently working with Unique (rare chromosome and gene disorders support group) helpline. Committed to clinical accuracy and emotional support.