Merseyside and Cheshire Regional Genetics comprises the
laboratories, Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics and the Clinical
Genetic Services. Together they provide a comprehensive service to
Trust's across the geographical areas of Merseyside, Cheshire and the
Isle of Man (population approximately 2.8 million). The laboratories
also recieve specialist referrals from Lancashire, North wales and
other areas of the U.K.. In addition the laboratories receive samples
on a cost per case basis from other local Trusts, private hospitals
and General Practitioners.
Genetic disorders place considerable health and economic
burden not only on affected people and their families but also on the
community. Genetic disorders involve DNA (the blueprint of life) and
a wide range can be identified either at the broader chromosomal
level (Cytogenetics) or at a finer detailed level by
Molecular Genetics. The Clinical Genetic service helps
to establish an accurate diagnosis, provide information about
prognosis, the risk of developing or transmitting the disorder and
offers information and counselling to other family members.
All three services offer teaching at under and post
graduate level and to professions within the healthcare environment.
Additionally the laboratories offer limited work placement to 6th
form colleges and undergraduates.
The Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics Laboratories are
sited in the Liverpool Women's Hospital, Clinical Genetics is sited
at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, all are managed by the Liverpool
Women's Hospital Trust.