NEWBORN babies in Jersey are expected to be screened for spinal muscular atrophy as part of the routine heel-prick test by October 2027.
The condition – commonly known as SMA – is a rare genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness and can be life-threatening. Early diagnosis can allow treatment to begin before symptoms develop.
The UK is preparing to add SMA checks to its newborn bloodspot screening programme, but the change will not be introduced across all maternity services at the same time.
An initial rollout will begin at seven pilot sites from October 2026 as part of an evaluative implementation involving newborn bloodspot laboratories.
Jersey will not be included in the first phase because the Island’s samples are processed by a laboratory in Portsmouth, which is not among the initial pilot sites.
However, the Health Department has received confirmation that the Island will be included during the wider rollout in 2027.
A spokesperson said: “Jersey is to be included in the rollout during 2027 as the laboratory we use, Portsmouth, is not included in the initial rollout. We have had confirmation that it will be by October 2027.”
The newborn bloodspot test, often referred to as the heel-prick test, is offered shortly after birth and checks babies for a range of rare but serious health conditions.
