Referral of Patients to the PCGS is generally made through the patient's GP or a hospital specialist. The specialist can be medical or dental, specialist nurse, midwife or health visitor or a practitioner from the professions allied to health care such as an optician or psychologist.

Occasionally a patient or family member may contact the service directly, in this instance we would accept the referral if appropriate to our service, but encourage them to involve their GP if at all possible.

The patient, or a member of the patient's family, has a condition that may be hereditary
 
to discuss screening or testing for a genetic condition  


 a request for information about a genetic condition


the referring doctor may like help in making a diagnosis in the patient or their child

A large number of referrals to the PCGS are for a family history of cancer. Details of referral guidelines for families with a history of cancer can be found by clicking this link.

The PCGS clinical staff also offer information, support, advice and teaching to health professionals and others including members of the general public who are seeking information relating to clinical genetics or a specific genetic disorder.