30th June 2026
The All-Wales Medical Genomics Service recognised for their innovation and excellence at the Moondance Cancer Awards
The All-Wales Medical Genomics Service (AWMGS) has been recognised for its groundbreaking work in cancer innovation, securing two awards and receiving a further two nominations at the 2026 Moondance Cancer Awards.
Held on 11 June at Depot, Cardiff, the awards celebrate the outstanding individuals and teams across NHS Wales and its partner organisations who deliver, lead and innovate cancer services.
The AWMGS Solid Tumour Team was one of nine partners in the Southeast Wales Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) Team, which won the Cancer Treatment Award in the Innovation & Improvement category.
This award recognises a truly collaborative, patient-centred approach to managing CUP, a complex cancer that is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. The award-winning partnership brought together organisations and professionals from across Wales, including:
• Velindre Cancer Service
• Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
• Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
• Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
• NHS Wales Performance and Improvement
• Centre for Trials Research at Cardiff University
• NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee
• Wales Cancer Research Centre
Through close collaboration across oncology, radiology and pathology services, the team has developed a comprehensive pathway to address the challenges associated with CUP. Key innovations include the introduction of a bespoke e-referral system, implementation of a patient feedback framework, and the integration of molecular profiling as standard practice.
These improvements have led to more timely and accurate diagnoses, enhanced treatment planning, and improved patient outcomes. The work has also resulted in a significant increase in referral and treatment rates, while earning national recognition and influencing best practice across the UK.
AWMGS’s contribution to this work demonstrates the vital role genomics plays in modern cancer care and highlights the importance of collaboration in delivering innovation at scale.
The second AWMGS award of the evening was presented to Dr Alex Murray, Consultant Geneticist, who won the Medical Award in the Excellence category in recognition of her outstanding leadership and contribution to cancer genomics services.
During a period of significant growth in demand, Dr Murray demonstrated exceptional leadership as Clinical Director, guiding the service through a 25% increase in cancer genetics referrals while maintaining safe and timely care for patients.
Among her many achievements was the introduction of a medically led triage system to prioritise referrals and streamline clinical pathways, improving both service efficiency and patient experience. Dr Murray also played a key role in implementing the UK Somatic Variant Interpretation Guidelines (UK-SVIG) within AWMGS, enhancing the consistency and quality of genomic interpretation.
Her leadership has strengthened clinical pathways, increased service capacity, and supported workforce development and training, ensuring AWMGS is well positioned to meet the evolving demands of cancer genomics.
AWMGS was also shortlisted twice more in the Innovation & Improvement category. Teams were recognised for the implementation of the UK Somatic Variant Interpretation Guidelines (UK-SVIG) across the service and for the Cancer Genomics Services Workforce Stacking Model, initiatives focused on strengthening workforce capability and improving patient pathways.
Congratulations to all the winners and nominees whose dedication, innovation and commitment continue to improve cancer services and patient care across Wales.