The Government has published its renewed Women’s Health Strategy, with a renewed emphasis on listening to women and people, choice and empowerment.
That is so important. For parents and families affected by group B Strep (GBS), being listened to – properly and in time – during pregnancy and after birth can be life-saving. It’s essential, not an optional extra.
Responding to the Strategy, GBSS Chief Executive Jane Plumb said:
“It’s encouraging to see women’s voices placed so clearly at the centre of the renewed Women’s Health Strategy. For parents and families affected by group B Strep, being listened to in pregnancy and after birth is not a ‘nice to have’ – it can quite simply be life‑saving.
If this Strategy is serious about putting women’s voices at the heart of care, maternity must be where that commitment is tested and delivered, through action that prevents avoidable harm, not simply better recognition once things have gone wrong.”
Over many years, parents and families have shared the same experiences with us: concerns not taken seriously, risk factors or signs of infection played down, reassurance offered instead of action. Decisions made about them, rather than with them. Too often, the consequences only become clear when a baby becomes critically ill or has tragically died.
If this renewed Strategy is to mean anything in practice, it needs to show up in maternity care. What does that mean in practice? It means listening to women and people who are pregnant or have recently given birth, taking their concerns seriously and acting early to prevent harm. Not looking back afterwards and saying lessons have been learned.
We already know what makes a difference: clear information, honest conversations and care that responds when new and expectant parents raise concerns. And of course this includes acting on what families, clinicians and the evidence have been saying for years about preventable infections such as group B Strep.
At GBSS, we will continue to press for change that is practical, preventative and rooted in the real experiences of parents and families – not just better words after avoidable harm has already happened.
