Routine screenings for spinal muscular atrophy - will be on offer from today for all newborns

About four to six babies are diagnosed each year with the progressive neuromuscular disease.

Meanwhile, about 98 percent of newborns are screened using the heel prick test - and now all the samples will also be tested for spinal muscular atrophy.

National Public Health Service director Dr Nick Chamberlain says the best treatment outcomes are gained when the disease is detected early, before symptoms develop.