https://birminghamdaily.co.uk/tags/healthpolicy/Recent content in healthpolicy on Birmingham DailyHugo -- gohugo.ioen-usFri, 17 Jul 2026 05:20:10 +0000https://birminghamdaily.co.uk/nhs-to-screen-all-newborns-in-england-for-spinal-muscular-atrophy-starting-october-2026/Fri, 17 Jul 2026 05:20:10 +0000https://birminghamdaily.co.uk/nhs-to-screen-all-newborns-in-england-for-spinal-muscular-atrophy-starting-october-2026/Starting in October 2026, all newborns in England will be routinely screened for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare but serious muscle-wasting disease. This screening program is set to begin three months earlier than initially planned, following a government commitment to accelerate its rollout. SMA is a genetic condition that can severely affect infants, impacting their ability to sit, crawl, or walk. In the most extreme cases, it impairs breathing and swallowing.