Former Little Mix star Jesy Nelson has expressed pride after the NHS confirmed it will begin screening newborns for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) earlier than planned. The screenings will roll out as part of in-screening evaluations (ISE) from October 2026, rather than January 2027, as confirmed in a letter from Health Secretary Wes Streeting to Nelson and SMA UK chief executive Giles Lomax.
Nelson, whose twins Ocean Jade and Story Monroe were diagnosed with the rare condition that causes progressive muscle wastage, has been campaigning for universal newborn screening. She met with Streeting earlier this year to discuss the impact of early detection. The singer launched a petition for SMA to be added to the newborn blood spot test, also known as the heel-prick test.
Streeting noted that officials are working through challenges to extend the ISE across England and that Scottish officials are collaborating to share findings from the pilot. Nelson, who recently became a patron of SMA UK, celebrated the announcement on Instagram, calling it a 'big step forward' and a 'major milestone for the SMA community'.
Nelson revealed in January that her daughters' diagnosis means they are unlikely to ever walk or regain neck strength. They have received a one-off infusion to replace a missing gene, but cannot recover muscles already lost. Early treatment can prevent further muscle damage.
Lomax added: 'Following years of campaigning, we are delighted to see the formal announcement. This milestone will change the lives of so many diagnosed through the heel prick test. We will continue to work hard to ensure this SMA is rolled out to other parts of England as well as the home nations – no baby should be left behind based on where they live.'
