We’re delighted to announce that the Scottish Government has provided funding to the charity so we can supply information leaflets on group B Strep to all Health Boards in Scotland.
The charity has provided 55,000 copies of the clear and concise patient information leaflet jointly written with experts at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) to the Health Boards.
The Health Boards will then distribute these leaflets to maternity units across Scotland, ensuring all pregnant women in Scotland are informed about group B Strep.
This is a huge step forward for group B Strep prevention in Scotland, which we are very pleased about. We’re calling on the governments of England, Wales and Northern Ireland to follow Scotland’s lead, so that all pregnant women in the UK are made aware of the risks of group B Strep.
To support our work providing leaflets to the rest of the UK, please donate here.
Jane Plumb MBE, Chief Executive of Group B Strep Support said
“We are delighted that the Scottish Government has recognised how important it is that pregnant women are told about group B Strep. A recent survey found that 98% of new and expectant parents wanted to be told about group B Strep by their Doctor or Midwife, so this will be welcomed by women across Scotland.
England, Wales and Northern Ireland must now follow suit and ensure all new and expectant parents are told about group B Strep as part of routine antenatal care.”
Mr Edward Morris, Vice President of Clinical Quality at the RCOG
“The RCOG welcomes the Scottish government’s decision to fund this leaflet in Scotland.
“While many pregnant women carry group B Strep, in the majority of cases their babies are born safely and without developing the infection. However, group B Strep infection in newborn babies can be dangerous.
“Following an update to the RCOG’s Green-top Guideline on group B Strep last year, it is now national recommended practice to provide all pregnant women with information on group B Strep. This clear and concise leaflet will ensure women are equipped with high-quality information to raise awareness and save the lives of babies.”