| Dr Chris Steele MBE, GBSS Patron |
|
Dr Chris Steele MBE, GBSS Patron, says Life-threatening group B Strep infections in newborn babies can usually be prevented - get informed and protect your baby.  Ultimately Id like to see every pregnant woman in the UK offered a reliable test for GBS on the NHS this test is a routine part of antenatal care in many countries including Australia, Canada, Spain and the USA. Until then, raising awareness is the key to saving babies lives. Id urge any pregnant woman to get informed about GBS, and get tested. Dr Chris Steele, resident doctor on ITVs This Morning, is Group B Strep Supports Patron. Known and trusted by millions, family GP Dr Steele is renowned for his practical and open approach to airing medical issues in the media. |
PetitionPlease sign our ePetition: We are calling for on the Department of Health to ensure that every woman is routinely given accurate information about group B Streptococcus (group B Strep or GBS) during her antenatal care; every low-risk woman is offered a sensitive test for GBS, ideally at 35-37 weeks of pregnancy; and every higher-risk woman is offered antibiotics in labour. For more information about the petition, click here Ready to sign the petition? ... click here (opens in a new window)
The Issue Group B Strep (GBS) is a bacteria commonly found inhabiting the human digestive system (and often the vagina of adult women). It is normally harmless, however, it can be passed to newborn babies around childbirth, and in babies which then develop GBS infection, it can be very serious. Group B Strep infections in newborn babies are usually preventable - so many of these horrible infections could be prevented. To do this, at GBSS, we want to see: - Every pregnant woman in the UK given accurate information about group B Streptococcus (GBS) as a routine part of her antenatal care.
- A national screening program to be introduced on the NHS, to test all pregnant women for carriage of GBS at 35-37 weeks.
- Those women found to be carrying GBS, as well as those with risk factors that put their babies at higher risk of developing GBS infection, to be offered intravenous antibiotics in labour.
The Aims of the CharityGroup B Strep Support (GBSS) is a UK charity, founded in 1996. Our three main aims are to: - Offer information and support to families affected by group B Streptococcus;
- Inform health professionals and individuals how most group B Strep infections in newborn babies can be prevented; and
- Generate continued support for research into preventing group B Strep infections in newborn babies.
|