Group B Strep Support and the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) have produced an evidence-based i-learn module on group B Strep that is available free of charge to members of the RCM. Ideally, all midwives will take the training to increase awareness and understanding of Strep B infection in babies, and how to prevent it.
Midwives are a vital source of information for new and expectant parents on group B Strep, so it is critical that they are well-informed. Increased awareness will help eliminate these serious, yet often avoidable, infections in newborn babies.
On average in the UK, at least
• 2 babies a day develop group B Strep infection
• 1 baby a week dies from group B Strep infection
• 1 baby a week survives with disability
Around 800 babies a year in the UK develop group B Strep infection. Most make a full recovery, but approximately 50 of these sick babies will die, and 70 survivors will have life-changing disabilities.
The UK introduced a prevention strategy against group B Strep infection in babies aged 0-6 days in 2003, but this has not prevented the rate rising by 19% between 2000/1 and 2014/5 (and the number infected increased by 37%).
We are really pleased to have developed this i-learn module with the Royal College of Midwives. Sadly, for too long, midwives and student midwives have not had good training available to them on group B Strep, which has caused confusion.
This new module not only provides detailed information about the UK’s national GBS prevention guidelines, it also provides background information, talks about what the future may hold and busts some particularly persistent myths about group B Strep.
— Jane Plumb MBE, Chief Executive, Group B Strep Support
This new i-learn module focuses on group B Strep infection in babies and the current UK guidelines aimed at reducing group B strep infection in newborn babies.
The module is an excellent learning tool, which is comprehensive and clearly presented. The real-life stories are incredibly moving and thought-provoking, bringing alive the devastation of group B Strep infection in newborn and young babies.
The myth-dispelling section was also very important and a good reminder as a lot of misnomers still exist about group B Strep. I would strongly recommend all midwives to take 45 minutes out of their busy schedule to take this module.”
Dianne Garland, Freelance midwife www.midwifeexpert.co.uk
For more information about the group B Strep i-learn module, visit the RCM’s website here.
This is an important module, which will increase midwives’ knowledge and improve their practice regarding group B Strep. The module is clear and accessible, and took me just under 45 minutes
Newly Qualified Midwife
