The Yorkshire Regional Genetics Service, run by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, has moved to new premises at the Leeds hospital.

Previously, the 42 clinical staff at the facility were split between St James's Hospital and Seacroft Hospital.

The service diagnoses and provides counselling for patients affected by genetic conditions such as Huntingdon's disease, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy and inherited cancers.

About 6,000 patients from across Yorkshire are seen each year, with many suffering rare syndromes or at risk of developing a particular condition.

The move to Chapel Allerton means more space has been freed up at St James's for the service's vital molecular genetics and cytogenetics laboratories, which have another 60 staff and screen for genetic conditions.

Dr Carol Chu, the head of the service, said: "As a busy and expanding regional service, making the most of the accommodation we have and improving communications between colleagues is key to ensuring we offer the best possible service to patients.

"Our new location has helped boost staff morale and is already leading to greater efficiency.

"The facility at Chapel Allerton also allows the scope for further growth, as space is available to provide extra flexibility in the way we see patients in our outpatient clinics on site."