The NHS Peninsula Clinical Genetics service for Plymouth has become the most recent organisation making the move to Plymouth Science Park.
Part of the University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, the genetics service covers Devon and Cornwall and provides medical genetics assessment and support to a population of about 1.7million people.
The organisation supports patients from all hospital departments, including cancer, neurology and paediatrics. The Plymouth satellite team that is moving to Plymouth Science Park consists of a team of genetic counsellors and support staff.
Gene People UK estimates there are more than 6,000 diagnosed genetic conditions in the UK, with new conditions being identified daily. There are thought to be more than 2.4million adults and children living with a genetic condition in the UK.
The NHS Peninsula Clinical Genetics service offers genetic counselling to help people understand both the medical and psychological implications of genetic conditions, as well as adapt to them. They also offer genetic testing, and are involved in the diagnosis of genetic conditions.
Dr Matilda Bradford, principal genetic counsellor for the NHS Peninsula Clinical Genetics service for Plymouth, said: “We are really excited to be moving to Plymouth Science Park. Our new facilities at the park will give us dedicated space to deliver the virtual clinics that have become such a helpful resource during the pandemic restrictions, enabling us to offer much more flexible, patient-centred care.”
Dr Fay Davies, business development manager at Plymouth Science Park, said: “To have the NHS Peninsula Clinical Genetics service for Plymouth moving into the park and joining our community of health professionals is wonderful news.
“The Clinical Genetics service adapted quickly to the pandemic to make their services optimal for families and patients despite the challenges presented over the last five months.
“We are looking forward to supporting them as they continue to deliver virtual clinics to patients, and as they contribute their expertise to the park’s expanding medical community.”
The arrival of the NHS Peninsula Clinical Genetics service closely follows that of leading global semiconductor company X-FAB which is basing its highly skilled design and development engineers from its research and development team at Plymouth Science Park
X-FAB and the NHS Peninsula Clinical Genetics are just the latest to arrive at Plymouth Science Park in 2021. In May recruitment business Nurses Direct moved in, as did global design, engineering and project management consultancy Atkins.
Recently the NHS SW Peninsula Transplant Service’s (SWPTS) stem cell transplant processing laboratory team chose the park, close to the Derriford Hospital site.
That arrival came hot on the heels of global tech firm Genese Solution, which moved its UK headquarters from London to Plymouth to support ambitious growth plans.
Other recent arrivals at the park include US-headquartered Ancora Software and digital design agency Knowthis, which arrived at the park’s special Formation Zone for start-up businesses.
In February 2021, pioneering drug firm Amprologix, a University of Plymouth spin-out, settled at the park, following the arrivals of data tech company Gathering Momentum and toothpaste research venture Modus Laboratories.
Originally named Tamar Science Park, PSP was incorporated in 1996 as a joint venture between the University of Plymouth and Plymouth City Council.
More than £30m of investment, including ERDF, SWRDA and HotSW LEP grants, have funded five separate phases of development since 1996.
The board of PSP comprises senior representatives from Plymouth City Council. including the elected leader of the council, and the University of Plymouth, plus three independent non-executive directors. The 25-acre campus is home to science and technology businesses involved in digital, creative, marine, earth and life sciences.
