Changing Strep B care forever

A Strep B infection in babies can have devistating consequences but its such a simple infection to identify and treat. 

On average in the UK and ROI, every month:

• 66 babies are diagnosed with group B Strep infection
• 56 babies make a full recovery
• 6 babies survive with long-term physical or mental disabilities
• 4 babies die from their group B Strep infection

Despite the consequences, and the test relatively inexpensive, currently there is no national screening programme in place to test all expectant mothers. 

Since September 2017, the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (RCOG) has recommended in their guideline on group B Strep that selected pregnant women should be offered the ECM test. Many maternity units still use a standard test that isnt good enough and misses up to half of the women carrying group B Strep. 

ECM Group B testing is accurate, simple and relatively inexpensive.  No mother should have to lose a child because of the cost of a simple test. 

It's why we are trying to help drive awareness of GBS, provide acess to cheap accurate testing and are 100% behind the drive to implement a national screening programme.

Sign this petition to make ECM testing for Group B strep routine on the NHS

Group B Strep Support is a fantastic charity that has been actively campaigning for decades to make Strep B testing available to all. Their website contains a wealth of resources about GBS and lots of ways to get involved, fundraise and spread the word. 

Download their Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in pregnancy and newborn babies leaflet

Visit their website for more information on GBS