Welcome to the Genetic Health Service NZ - Northern Hub. We provide information and support for families with, or at risk of, a genetic disorder.

We are based at Auckland City Hospital where patients are seen in outpatient facilities after referral by their general practitioner, specialist or midwife. The service also accepts self-referrals. A small number of inpatients are seen for predominantly neonatal/paediatric and cancer disorders.

The scope of our service includes preconceptual, prenatal, paediatric and adult onset disorders including cancer.

An important function of the service is to provide up-to-date information about rare disorders in a manner that can be easily understood and to provide interpretation of tests and clinical information to health professionals.

 staff
Our staff consist of the following professionals:

Clinical Geneticists: doctors who are trained in medical genetics and specialise in the diagnosis of genetic disorders (see under "Consultants" below).

Genetic Associates: health professionals, with training in genetic counselling, who work in conjunction with clinical geneticists to provide information and support: 

• Jenny Eaton
• Cindy Zaitsoff
• Dale Kerr
• Kim Gamet
• Stephanie Oates
• Kitty Cho
• Courtney Forgeng

Kai Arataki (Cultural Advisor):  Waiora Port.

Clinic Locations

Clinics are held at:

• Greenlane Clinical Centre
• Starship Children's Hospital
• Manukau SuperClinic ™
• Tauranga Hospital
• Waikato Hospital
• Gisborne Hospital
• Whangarei Hospital.

You will be referred to our service by your general practitioner (GP), specialist or midwife. We also accept self-referrals.

Why was I referred?

There are many reasons why people are referred to a Genetics Clinic:

• a child is born with several abnormalities
• there is a history in the family of a medical condition
• women who have a history of several miscarriages
• women over 35 years and pregnant
• a family member diagnosed with cancer at a young age
• family history of cancer
• anyone uncertain about their genetic risks and family medical background.

What to Expect

When you come for an appointment the following will happen:

• we will discuss your concerns with you
• you will be asked for details of your family’s medical history and a family tree (whakapapa) will be drawn with your permission
• sometimes we need to gather more information or arrange investigations
• we discuss the inheritance and implications of the condition
• sometimes genetic testing is appropriate but usually this is not done on your first visit
• we can provide sources of further information and support.

You are welcome to bring relatives/whanau or friends with you to the appointment.


What Do I Need to Bring?

At your first visit it is helpful to bring any relevant medical records, x-rays, or family trees. If a diagnosis is needed, photos of any siblings and parents can assist.

For a consultation re your risk of having a cancer syndrome, it is helpful to bring with you the names, dates of birth and age at diagnosis of those relatives with cancer.

How Can Genetic Services Help?

• Your family tree and other information is gathered to make or confirm a diagnosis of a genetic disorder.
• This information can also be used to explain how a disorder occurred, understand what the future progress is likely to be and evaluate recurrence risks.
• Appropriate tests may be offered to family members who may be concerned about inheriting a family disorder.
• Counselling for genetic risk is often reassuring because the impact and possible effects of the disorder can be discussed in an appropriate supportive atmosphere. Ways of dealing with the disorder can be developed and families can be put in touch with helpful community resources.

There is no charge for your visit.