Written question asked by Margot James (Conservative) on Tuesday, 7 June 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 9 June 2011. It was answered by Anne Milton (Conservative) on Tuesday, 14 June 2011 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Streptococcal Infections

Question: (2) what steps he is taking to prevent Group B streptococcal infections in newborn babies.

Answer: The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) advises Ministers and the national health service in all four countries about all aspects of screening policy. The UK NSC reviewed the policy for screening for group B streptococcus (GBS) in pregnant women in 2009 and concluded that the evidence did not support its introduction. The UK NSC will review its policy position again on GBS carriage in pregnancy screening in 2012 or earlier if any significant new peer reviewed evidence emerges.The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) has a Green-top guideline, Prevention of Early onset Group B Streptococcal Disease which provides guidance for obstetricians, midwives and neonatologists on the prevention of early-onset neonatal GBS. The RCOG also produce parallel patient information, Preventing group B streptococcus infection in newborn babies (““Information for You””), for women and their families who are expecting a baby or are planning to get pregnant. Advice is also available on the NHS Choices website at:"www.nhs.uk/chq/pages/2580.aspx?categoryid=54&subcategoryid=137"

Secondary information