About Genetic Health Service NZ

We provide the following services:

• Review of pregnancy related issues: a personal or family history of a genetic condition that may put a pregnancy at risk.

• Assessment of conditions that may have a genetic origin: e.g. infants, children and adults with developmental delay or a possible syndrome diagnosis.

• Counselling for chromosomal alterations.

• Predictive testing: for patients who are well but are at risk of inheriting a genetic disorder running in the family e.g. Huntington disease or other inherited neurological conditions. Predictive genetic testing should always be referred to the genetics service for genetic counselling.

• Assessment of family cancer history to determine the level of risk, potiential screening recommendations and whether genetic testing is warranted e.g.personal or family history of breast cancer.

We run outreach clinics in a large number of hospitals other than the three base hospitals so that the genetics service is available within a short traveling distance from most areas. The frequency of these clinics varies according to demand. You may be able to be seen sooner if you are willing to travel to your main hub.

Anyone who would like advice about a genetic condition should ask their doctor to refer them to their local genetic services hub (Auckland Hospital, Wellington Hospital or Christchurch Hospital) who will arrange an appointment if necessary at the nearest outreach clinic.

Outreach clinics are available at the following locations:

Northern Hub

This service covers the upper half of the North Island. It is based in Auckland and provides outreach clinics in:

• Whangarei Hospital

• Manukau Super Clinic

• Waikato Hospital

• Tauranga Hospital

• Rotorua Hospital

• Gisborne Hospital

Central Hub

This service covers the lower half of the North Island and Nelson. It is based in Wellington and provides outreach clinics in:

• Taranaki Base Hospital

• Napier Health Centre

• Whanganui Hospital

• Palmerston North (The Palms Medical Centre)

• Kenepuru Hospital

• Hutt Hospital

• Nelson Bays Primary Health Centre (Richmond)

South Island Hub

This service covers all of the South Island (except Nelson). It is based in Christchurch and provides outreach clinics in:

• Grey Base Hospital

• Timaru Hospital

• Lakes District Hospital

• Dunedin Hospital

• Southland Hospital