Jane Kirby

England will introduce nationwide spinal muscular atrophy screening for newborns, following campaigning led by Jesy Nelson after her twins were diagnosed with the condition. The heel‑prick test will begin rolling out from October 2026, with full laboratory coverage expected by 2027. SMA UK and government officials welcomed the move, highlighting the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment and framing the expansion as a step toward reducing health inequalities. Scotland is pursuing a similar programme with private‑sector funding.