Building practical confidence in cancer genomics and mainstreaming genetic testing within your service.
Oncology nurses and CNS teams play a central role in delivering mainstream genetic testing safely and consistently, while supporting patients and families as they navigate complex decisions.
We were pleased to offer this one-day educational forum specifically for CNS staff across Kent & Medway.
Designed to build confidence and deepen understanding of genomics-informed care.
Cancer CNS educational course
This was a unique opportunity for expert guidance, case-study based learning and peer support
Genomics is transforming cancer pathways - from diagnosis and risk management through to targeted therapies and precision oncology. Oncology nurses and CNS teams are central to delivering mainstream testing safely and consistently, and to supporting patients and families through complex decisions.
Attendees took one day out to ensure they can navigate testing processes with confidence, communicate clearly with patients, and understand the wider considerations that shape genomics-informed care. Colleagues from across Kent & Medway refocussed on:
- Establishing a clear understanding of cancer genomics, key terminology and clinical application
- Distinguishing germline and somatic variants and why this matters for care pathways
- Exploring testing pathways and how genomics impacts diagnosis, treatment and follow-up
- Understanding the CNS role in mainstreaming genetic testing — eligibility, consent and samples
- Building confidence in sensitive conversations with patients and families about testing
- Navigating ethical, cultural and psychological considerations in genomics-informed care
- Strengthening onward referral and signposting to clinical genetics and specialist services
- Developing an action plan to embed testing and interpretation into daily practice
Key benefits of attending
Useful techniques and practical approaches for mainstreaming genomic testing
This course was expertly designed to boost confidence and strengthen practical competencies in genomics-informed cancer care.
- Interactive benchmarking discussion to explore current awareness and practice across teams
- Nurse-focused guidance on eligibility, consent and sample processes for mainstream testing
- Scenario-based workshops to rehearse real-world communication challenges
- Case studies exploring the ethical, cultural and psychological impacts of testing
- Peer networking to share solutions, barriers and service-level learning
- Action planning to help you implement improvements immediately back in practice
Exclusive opportunity
This event was free to attend for Trusts within Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance
Learning & development
Oncology National Networking Forums are pleased to be featured as part of the ACCEND Framework
The Greater Manchester ePortfolio platform is available via the Greater Manchester Cancer Academy and supports professional development in cancer care.
This forum and all of our events are mapped to the ACCEND Framework and can be recorded in the ACCEND Greater Manchester ePortfolio to help you evidence your learning, reflections and competencies.
To find out more, click on the ACCEND tab.
| 9:30 |
Registration, technical support and networking opportunity
|
| 10:00 |
Introduction, instructions and course leader’s opening remarks
|
| Introduction to genomics | |
| 10:10 |
Establishing an understanding of cancer genomics and its application
Dr Vishakha Tripathi
|
| Mainstreaming genetic testing | |
| 10:30 |
What is it and what do you need to know?
Suzannah Fitzgerald
|
| 10:50 |
Networking break
|
| 11:10 |
Interactive discussion: Benchmark your awareness and knowledge of genomics
|
| 11:50 |
Establishing the role of oncology nurses in mainstreaming genomic testing
Dr Vishakha Tripathi and Vickie Gadd
|
| 12:20 |
Questions and answers
|
| 12:30 |
Networking lunch
|
| Supporting patients and their families | |
| 1:30 |
Building confidence and improving communication around genomics to support patients
Dr Vishakha Tripathi, Vickie Gadd and Suzannah Fitzgerald
|
| 1:50 |
Scenario workshop: Applying your knowledge in practice
|
| 2:30 |
Networking break
|
| Build an action plan | |
| 2:50 |
Actionable insights to mainstreaming genomic testing
Dr Vishakha Tripathi
|
| 3:10 |
Local governance considerations
Vickie Gadd and Suzannah Fitzgerald
|
| 3:30 |
Interactive discussion: Embedding genomics testing and interpretation into your daily practice
|
| 4:00 |
Final questions and answers
|
| 4:20 |
Close of day
|
Course funding
Kent & Medway Cancer Alliance fully funded this course, enabling eligible healthcare professionals from East Kent Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, Medway NHS Foundation Trust, and Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to attend at no cost.
Our education commitment
Kent & Medway Cancer Alliance is committed to working with high-quality education partners to strengthen and upskill our cancer workforce. Our aim is to equip professionals with the knowledge and confidence needed to meet the needs of our local population and deliver the ambitions of the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan and the national Cancer Plan.
Building genomics capacity
Training in key areas such as genomics and telephone triage is central to this, supporting earlier diagnosis, personalised care, safe decision-making and improved patient experience. All development we commission is aligned to the ACCEND framework, and our workforce evidences their learning through the Greater Manchester ePortfolio, ensuring capability is recognised, portable and embedded into practice.
Partnering for impact
By partnering with SBK, we are able to offer high-impact, relevant education that directly supports our services today and prepares our teams for the personalised, digitally enabled cancer care of tomorrow.
With thanks to the expert speakers
Dr Vishakha Tripathi
Consultant Genetic Counsellor and SELCA Clinical Lead Genomics, strategy & transformation
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Vickie Gadd
Lead CNS for Gynae Oncology, genetics and family history
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
Suzannah Fitzgerald
Macmillan Breast CNS, family history and mainstream genomic practitioner
East Kent Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Who came?
A bespoke CNS-focused day to strengthen genomics practice locally
This educational course was designed specifically for cancer CNS and oncology nurses across Kent & Medway who are involved in testing, treatment pathways, follow-up and patient support. The content is practical, nurse-led and implementation-focused, ensuring participants leave with clearer knowledge, stronger confidence in communication, and a realistic plan to advance mainstream genomic testing in their own service.
Eligible Trusts were:
- East Kent Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
- Medway NHS Foundation Trust
- Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Past attendee feedback
Our focused online forums have received excellent feedback – but don’t take our word for it!
About the ACCEND Framework
The ACCEND Framework is designed to enhance cancer care by providing a structured approach to education and professional development for healthcare professionals.
- It defines the essential Cancer Capabilities in Practice (CiPs) and offers a tailored educational structure to support progression at every stage of a cancer care career.
- Launched in January 2023, the framework aims to transform career pathways and improve training and development opportunities across the cancer workforce.
- It provides access to the education and training needed to meet role-specific competencies and includes dedicated resources for nurses, allied health professionals and those in cancer-related support roles.
- The ACCEND Framework delivers a nationally agreed career and education structure underpinned by clearly defined capabilities in practice.
Map your learning
All Oncology National Networking Forum courses listed on the ACCEND Greater Manchester ePortfolio are fully aligned with the ACCEND Framework.
You can easily log your attendance and map your learning to the Cancer Capabilities in Practice (CiPs) through the ACCEND Greater Manchester ePortfolio.
To do this:
- Register and log in to the Greater Manchester ePortfolio
- Click ‘Add Entry’
- Select 'Choose an item from the library'
- Change the provider to Oncology National Networking Forums
- Choose the relevant event you have attended (or plan to attend)
This tool offers a central space to track your professional development, reflections and achievements - supporting your ongoing career in cancer care.
Click here to access the Greater Manchester ePortfolio
Please login to access documentation associated with the event. This is an exclusive benefit for all of the attendees and includes additional and updated documentation.