Wes Streeting has pledged to investigate singer Jesy Nelson’s plea for newborn screening for a rare condition that causes paralysis in infants.
The Health Secretary responded to the former Little Mix member’s disclosure that her twin babies, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe Nelson-Foster, were diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Families of paralyzed infants are urging the Government to include a £5 blood test for SMA in the routine newborn heel prick test.
Advancements in gene therapies can now prevent paralysis in newborns with SMA if administered promptly after birth. Mr. Streeting expressed his sympathy for Jesy Nelson’s situation and praised her advocacy for improved screening practices.
Recent reports revealed that approximately one baby per week in the UK is becoming paralyzed due to delays in SMA testing by the NHS. Jesy shared her family’s challenging journey in an emotional Instagram video, emphasizing the importance of early detection through a simple heel prick test to prevent severe consequences.
Currently, infants without a family history of SMA are typically diagnosed in England after parents repeatedly report developmental delays. Many countries worldwide have already incorporated SMA testing into standard newborn screenings.
While a pilot program for SMA screening is being planned in certain parts of England, national implementation may take several years. In contrast, NHS Scotland has already rolled out SMA screening for all newborns.
Mr. Streeting acknowledged the need for quicker diagnostic processes and emphasized the importance of utilizing genomic medicine more effectively.
For more celebrity news and updates, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Threads.