The NHS Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Screening Programme team in Public Health England, in partnership with Kings College London, is pleased to announce the return of the genetic risk assessment and counselling module this summer.
The module will be taught online over 4 days: 6 and 7 May, 10 and 11 June 2021.
King's College London offers this module for professionals who provide counselling and prenatal diagnosis (PND) to women and couples at risk of having a child with sickle cell disease or thalassaemia. The module is worth 30 credits at master’s degree level and is designed to give an in-depth knowledge of haemoglobin disorders and the practical applications of genetics in health care, including:
- genetic testing
- prevention of genetic disorders
- prenatal diagnosis and genetic counselling
The 2020 course was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who were awarded bursaries in 2020 will be able to use them to attend this year. The programme can offer 2 additional bursaries in 2021.
If you would like to apply for funding, please send a short expression of interest (approximately 200 words) to Jessamy Willson-Pepper by Friday 19 March 2021 at 5pm. To be eligible for funding, applicants should:
- offer counselling and prenatal diagnosis (PND) to women and couples at risk of having a child with sickle cell disease or thalassaemia
- have their line manager’s approval
- be able to attend all 4 days
- apply for a place directly with Kings College London
Please note that funding may also be available from your Trust.
Some colleagues who successfully completed the genetic risk assessment and counselling course in 2019 gave it glowing reviews, including:
The course has given me the knowledge, skills and the information I need for my job! Thank you all for the impact you have had on my life and the haemoglobinopathy service.
I now understand the biology behind haemoglobinopathies, as well as the wider picture. I’ve built confidence in communicating and counselling couples whose baby may be at risk and in how to address different cases. I leave with a depth of knowledge in sickle cell and thalassaemia.
A fantastic transfer of knowledge and the sense of humour made it interesting to learn. Well done team.
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