The Tasmanian Clinical Genetics Service (TCGS) aims to assist people in coming to terms with the diagnosis of genetic disorders and facilitate the making of informed choices about genetic issues. Counselling and information are provided to people with a family history of a genetic disorder, or who are concerned that they may be at increased risk of inheriting or passing on a disorder to their children.
Clinical Services for People with Genetic Disorders
The TCGS provides a clinical service for the diagnosis, management, counselling and support of adults and children with a wide range of genetic disorders including:
- Familial cancer (e.g. breast cancer and bowel cancer);
- Babies with birth defects;
- Undiagnosed intellectual disability;
- Chromosome disorders;
- Familial neurological and muscle disorders;
- Skeletal and connective tissue disorders;
- Rare genetic syndromes; and
- Metabolic disorders.
Pregnancy-related Genetic Services
The TCGS provides a range of services to people who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy - including:
- Counselling and carrier testing to clarify risk of genetic conditions;
- Prenatal diagnosis for various genetic conditions;
- Counselling regarding genetic issues of infertility and in-vitro fertilization;
- Counselling regarding screening tests before or during pregnancy; and
- Diagnosis and counselling when a birth defect is detected during pregnancy.
Clinic Dates
Clinics are usually held over two days each month, either in Hobart, Launceston, or Launceston/Burnie combined.
Hobart Clinics: February, April, June, August, October and December.
Launceston Clinics: January, March, May, July, September and November.
Burnie Clinics: January, May and September.
Contact Us
Phone: (03) 6222 8296
How to contact us or make a booking
Clinical Genetics Clinics are held at the
- Royal Hobart Hospital;
- Launceston General Hospital; and
- North West Regional Hospital.
The Genetic Counsellors are based at the Royal Hobart Hospital and regularly visit other parts of the state. The Genetic Counsellors can be contacted by health professionals or patients at any time to discuss genetic issues or to arrange clinic appointments.
For more information about Genetic Counselling, or to arrange an appointment, please contact us on: Phone (03) 6222 8296 or Fax (03) 6222 7961.
Service Eligibility
Referrals should be addressed to Dr David Amor, and can be faxed to (03) 6222 7961 or mailed to the TCGS:
Dr David Amor
Tasmanian Clinical Genetics Service
C/- The Royal Hobart Hospital
GPO BOX 1061
HOBART Tasmania 7001
Please include patient's name, address, telephone number/s, date of birth and the reason for the referral. If you have any relevant test results it would be helpful if you could include them. Follow up counselling is available to ensure ongoing support, to review previous information and to answer any new questions as they arise.
We are also able to provide helpful information about community resources and relevant support groups.
Cost Information
The TCGS is funded by the Government of Tasmania. There are currently no out-of-pocket expenses to patients for genetic counselling.
Although genetic testing is expensive, most genetic tests are currently free of charge to patients referred to the TCGS.
Administrative Phone Number
Phone (03) 6222 8296