Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleEngland will implement a national newborn screening programme for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) as part of an evaluation, starting from the end of this year. The programme, utilising a simple heel prick blood test, will begin rolling out in October, with full implementation across all UK screening laboratories expected by 2027. Former Little Mix star Jesy Nelson, whose twins were diagnosed with SMA, spearheaded the campaign for the full national rollout, hailing it as a “victory for every family affected”.This development ensures all parts of England will be covered, addressing previous concerns about a “postcode lottery” where some babies might not be screened based on their location. Early diagnosis and treatment for SMA are crucial, as the condition can lead to severe muscle wastage, and timely intervention can significantly improve a child's quality of life and health outcomes. In fullJesy Nelson says baby SMA screening rollout is ‘a victory for every family affected’More bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Jesy Nelson hails ‘victory’ as England set to roll out baby SMA screening
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleEngland will implement a national newborn screening programme for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) as part of an evaluation, starting from the end of this year. The programme, utilising a simple heel prick blood test, will begin rolling out in October, with full implementation across all UK screening laboratories expected by 2027. Former Little Mix star Jesy Nelson, whose twins were diagnosed with SMA, spearheaded the campaign for the full national rollout, hailing it as a “victory for every family affected”.This development ensures all parts of England will be covered, addressing previous concerns about a “postcode lottery” where some babies might not be screened based on their location. Early diagnosis and treatment for SMA are crucial, as the condition can lead to severe muscle wastage, and timely intervention can significantly improve a child's quality of life and health outcomes. In fullJesy Nelson says baby SMA screening rollout is ‘a victory for every family affected’More bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
