AWGL relocation to Canolfan Iechyd Genomig Cymru - Wales Genomic Health Centre

Due to relocation of the All Wales Medical Genomics Laboratory (AWGL) to our new facility at Canolfan Iechyd Genomig Cymru (CIGC)/Wales Genomic Health Centre which commences on the 8th November 2024, will unfortunately mean there will be some disruption to our services/provision over the coming months. We have developed a robust relocation plan and have approached this with a risk-assessed focus and decision process to ensure where possible there will continue to be testing provision for clinical services. It is anticipated that the relocation will be completed before the end of the year. In order to facilitate the preparation for relocation there may be disruption/changes to testing provisions and reporting times from Monday 28th October, please click here for full details on which services are affected and what the nature of the disruption/changes are.

There will be no change to sample deliveries during the relocation period. Please note that samples and referrals should continue to be sent to UHW and not to CIGC. There will be further information provided on where to send samples once relocation is complete and services have returned to normal operations. . Please continue to send samples to the below address:

All Wales Medical Genomics Service 

Institute of Medical Genetics 

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board 

University Hospital of Wales 

Heath Park Cardiff 

CF14 4XW 

Open since November 2023, Canolfan Iechyd Genomig Cymru (CIGC)/ Wales Genomic Health Centre brings together the All Wales Medical Genomics Service (AWMGS), Pathogen Genomics Unit (PenGu) and Wales Gene Park (WGP) as part of the Genomics Partnership Wales (GPW). The facility saw the refurbishment of an existing building at Cardiff Edge Life Sciences Park and for the first times co-locates diagnostic services, research laboratories, clinical spaces, seminar facilities and world class microbiological containment. The relocation of services was planned to happen in phases, transitioning partners to the new location in a staggered approach.

The first phase, which commenced on the 6th November 2023 saw the relocation AWMGS’s clinical services and directorate management teams alongside PenGu to the new facility located approximately 3 miles from the current University Hospital Wales site. CIGC offers improved accessibility for both our patients and staff and the location has ample free car parking facilities. 

It is envisaged that the new location will promote closer collaboration and improved integration of services creating an environment that advocates knowledge and expertise sharing. The new hub supports the ability for future growth having the ability to accommodate new genomic technology advancement along with workforce expansion.  This supports the commitments laid out in the Genomics Delivery Plan 2022-2025. 

 Further information on the AWMGS laboratory relocation to CIGC can be found here

We appreciate your support and understanding during this period and are looking forward to being able to continue to provide and expand genomic testing services for Wales into the future