The Office of Population Health Genomics was established in 2001 as the Genomics Directorate because of recommendations made in the HARC Report. The Office is unique in Australia and allows WA Health to respond to the advances in genetic technology. We aim:
To lead in the translation of genomics knowledge into health benefits
The Office has four Sections that work toward this:
- Epidemiology and Health Economics – evaluates the gene technology used in the health system and monitors it’s use and cost-effectiveness
- Prevention and Translation – provides information to the public to help them understand more about genomics
- Technical, Ethical and Legal Issues – new gene technology needs to be evaluated in the context of community views, ethics and the current laws
- Social and Community Research – identifies what people know, think and value about genomics and gene technology
These Sections work to:
- Translate information from genetic research to improve the health of people in WA
- Review and evaluate the use of the best available genetic technology within budget
- Promote new partnerships in population health genomics at a local, national and international level.
- Provide policy advice
- Keep people informed
- Collaborate with groups that have an interest in genetics, genomics and gene technology
- Ensure that we do this in a way that is consistent with the ethical, legal and cost-effective community needs
The draft prenatal screening policy has been released for comment.
The date for public submissions closes on the 12 March 2010.
The Draft Guidelines were released for public comment and the date for public submissions closed on the 25th of September 2009. For a log of the submissions received please click on the link below.
Guidelines for Human Biobanks, Genetic Research Databases and Associated Data
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