Sunday June 22, 2025|
Under a new 10-year strategy for the NHS, every newborn in the United Kingdom, UK is set to undergo DNA testing.
This groundbreaking initiative will use whole-genome sequencing to detect hundreds of potential diseases, enabling earlier interventions that could help families “leapfrog” life-threatening conditions, according to Health Secretary Wes Streeting.
In an interview with the Telegraph, Streeting outlined the government’s ambition to shift the NHS towards a more preventative healthcare model, focusing on stopping illness before it starts.
key pillar of this effort is personalised medicine, with the government committing £650 million to advance research in genomics.
“The revolution in medical science means that we can transform the NHS over the coming decade, from a service which diagnoses and treats ill health to one that predicts and prevents it,” said Mr Streeting in a statement.
“Genomics presents us with the opportunity to leapfrog disease, so we’re in front of it rather than reacting to it.”
The forthcoming Life Sciences Sector Plan is set for release in early July. Currently, newborns undergo a heel prick test around five days after birth to screen for nine rare but serious conditions.
This traditional blood spot test collects a few drops of blood on a card. In contrast, whole genome sequencing typically involves drawing blood from the umbilical cord shortly after delivery.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has previously emphasized the need for a more preventative approach within the NHS—aiming to curb serious illness and drive down healthcare costs.
Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence will support the health service in anticipating disease, enabling earlier interventions through timely treatment or medication.
“With the power of this new technology, patients will be able to receive personalised healthcare to prevent ill health before symptoms begin, reducing the pressure on NHS services and helping people live longer, healthier lives,” said Mr Streeting.
In addition to a stronger emphasis on prevention, the Government’s 10-year strategy is anticipated to incorporate two key reforms championed by Mr Streeting: shifting care from hospitals to community settings, and transitioning services from analogue to digital platforms.
This comes after Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveiled plans to boost NHS funding by £29 billion annually in real terms over the next three years, aiming to reduce waiting times in line with the Government’s election commitments.
