COVID-19: Information and links to support services

UPDATED APRIL 28 2020

Australian Genomics is adapting to the COVID-19 situation and making changes to support the continuation of our research programs.

Our priorities are to ensure the health and well-being of our staff, and of those in our broader collaborative network. Most of our national coordination personnel are working remotely. For our professional research network, this will make no material difference to the way you currently interact with Australian Genomics. Our tele-conferencing for flagship studies and program meetings will continue and meeting schedules will remain the same.

We are all available on our usual contact details.

Advice relating to participation in our research

Enrolment into Australian Genomics flagship studies
Australian Genomics clinical flagship studies are delivered through 32 clinical sites in Australia. Many clinical and genetics services are now operating at a reduced capacity and have adhered to government and organisational directives to minimise or cease in-person appointments.

This means that our ability to enrol new participants has been affected. We have deployed strategies to flexibly support ongoing enrolment into our open Flagship studies through telehealth and e-consent, and we are assessing alternatives for sample collection. Please note impacts on services affect each Flagship differently, so referring clinicians should seek specific advice from Flagship leads and coordinators.

I am a current participant in an Australian Genomics Flagship study
We are still returning results. While many clinical and genetics services are currently unable to provide in-person consultations, some are able to offer telehealth or phone appointments.

Many of the laboratory services providing genomic testing for Australian Genomics have had to adjust their operations. While these services remain operating, there are some delays and pauses placed on certain tests. Therefore the time frame in which you receive your genomic test results may be impacted.

How can you find out specific information about a Flagship study or return of test results?
If you have a question around your participation in any one of our clinical Flagship studies we recommend you contact your treating doctor (the doctor who referred you to one of our studies), or contact the genetic specialist or genetic counsellor that has been your point of contact during the study.

Mackenzie’s Mission
If you are looking for information specific to Mackenzie’s Mission (The Australian Reproductive Genetic Carrier Screening Study) please visit mackenziesmission.org.au

Please do feel free to contact us directly – and we will help put you in touch with the right person to speak to.

Please email us on info@australiangenomics.org.au or phone +61 (03) 9936 6345. Please note this inbox and phone line is monitored Monday-Friday 9am-5pm AEST.

Advice for the rare disease and cancer community

The Australian Government has identified those with chronic medical conditions, compromised immune systems, those over 70; aged over 65 with pre-existing conditions, and Indigenous Australians as being among those most at risk.

A number of the national patient support and advocacy groups have released specific guidance and really helpful resources for Australians living with cancer, rare diseases, and other chronic conditions. We would encourage you to visit Rare Voices Australia, SWAN Australia, Rare Cancers Australia, and the Cancer Council Australia for guidance and access to support.

Support and information also available from:

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