Liberal Democrats Back Group B Strep Testing in Maternity Policy
Posted on in Medical Negligence
A new Liberal Democrat maternity policy calling for improved information about Group B Streptococcus (GBS) and access to GBS-specific testing through the NHS has brought the issue into the public spotlight this week.
The policy was adopted by Liberal Democrat members at the party’s autumn conference in Brighton last weekend and includes a specific commitment that pregnant women and people should receive clear, evidence-based information about Group B Strep.
It also calls for those who want to know their GBS carriage status to be able to access an appropriate GBS-specific test through the NHS, following an informed discussion with their healthcare professional.
The amendment was moved by Alison Bennett MP, who spoke during the conference debate about the experiences of families affected by GBS and the work of charity, Group B Strep Support.
The policy forms part of a wider Liberal Democrat motion on maternity care and safety. It is a Liberal Democrat policy commitment for England, rather than a change to current NHS policy.
Group B Strep remains a serious risk for newborn babies
GBS is a common bacterium which usually causes no symptoms in people who carry it. However, it can occasionally cause serious infection in newborn babies, including sepsis, pneumonia and meningitis.
Group B Strep Support states that, on average, two babies a day in the UK develop a GBS infection, while one baby a week dies and another survives with a life-changing disability. The charity also notes that GBS carriage is common, with approximately 20–25% of adults in the UK carrying the bacterium, usually without symptoms.
Current UK practice does not involve routinely offering GBS screening to every pregnant woman or pregnant person. Group B Strep Support states that testing is generally offered in particular circumstances, including where a sibling may have been affected. The question of how best to prevent GBS infection in newborn babies has therefore remained an important issue within maternity care and public health.
‘Parents deserve clear information about Group B Strep’
Simon Mansfield, a specialist in our Medical Negligence team, said:
“We welcome the inclusion of Group B Strep within the Liberal Democrats’ maternity policy and, in particular, the focus on clear, evidence-based information and access to GBS-specific testing. For families affected by Group B Strep infection, the consequences can be devastating. When a newborn baby develops sepsis, pneumonia or meningitis, parents understandably want to understand what happened and whether there were opportunities to reduce the risk of infection. Clear information is an important part of enabling expectant parents to have informed discussions with their healthcare professionals about their individual circumstances and the options available to them.”
A continued call for awareness
The latest political development follows years of campaigning by families and organisations including Group B Strep Support. For families whose babies have suffered serious GBS infection, the issue can extend beyond the immediate medical treatment. Parents may subsequently need to establish what information they received during pregnancy, whether relevant risk factors were identified, what happened during labour and whether appropriate treatment was provided when concerns about infection arose.
Where there are concerns about possible medical negligence, these issues require careful assessment of the individual medical records, the circumstances surrounding the pregnancy and birth, and the relevant clinical evidence.
Simon Mansfield added:
“For many parents, the most difficult question after a serious neonatal infection is simply: ‘Could this have been prevented?’ That question is not easy to answer. Each family’s circumstances are different, and any potential claim needs to be investigated carefully. What is encouraging about the continued discussion around GBS is that awareness, information and prevention remain firmly on the maternity agenda. Families affected by Group B Strep have played an important role in keeping this issue in the public conversation. Their experiences should continue to inform discussions about how maternity services provide information and support to expectant parents.”
About Group B Strep claims
Medical negligence claims involving Group B Strep can involve complex questions concerning antenatal care, risk assessment, information provided to parents, labour management and the recognition and treatment of infection in newborn babies.
Anyone concerned that their baby may have suffered harm as a result of possible failures in maternity or neonatal care should seek specialist legal advice based on the individual circumstances of their case.
How we can help
If your child has developed a disability as a result of negligent treatment of Group B Strep, you may be entitled to make a medical negligence claim.
At Tozers, we put you and your family at the heart of everything we do. We’ll guide you through the legal process, provide clear and compassionate support, and work to secure the compensation your child may need for therapy, specialist equipment, home adaptations and other ongoing care and support.
If you or your family have been affected by medical negligence, our specialist team is here to help you understand your options and plan for the future.
Get in touch to find out how we can help.