Former Little Mix star Jesy Nelson has expressed pride after the NHS confirmed that screening for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) will begin earlier than planned. The singer, 34, campaigned for universal newborn screening following the diagnosis of her twins, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe, with the rare genetic condition that causes progressive muscle wastage.
In a letter to Nelson and Giles Lomax, chief executive of SMA UK, Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced that screenings will start as part of in-screening evaluations (ISE) from October 2026, rather than the previously scheduled January 2027. Streeting said his officials are working on extending the ISE to the whole of England and that Scottish officials are also involved to share findings from the pilot.
Nelson met with Streeting earlier this year to discuss the life-changing impact of early detection. She launched a petition for SMA to be added to the newborn blood spot screening test, also known as the heel-prick test. Celebrating the news on Instagram, she called it a “big step forward” and a “major milestone for the SMA community.”
The singer revealed in January that her daughters are unlikely to ever walk or regain neck strength due to the condition. They have received a one-off infusion to replace the missing gene and prevent further muscle loss, but cannot recover muscles already affected. Early treatment can mitigate some of the most severe consequences of SMA.
Giles Lomax of SMA UK welcomed the announcement, stating it “will change the lives of so many diagnosed through the heel prick test.” He added that the charity will continue to push for rollout across all parts of England and the home nations, stressing that “no baby should be left behind based on where they live.”
