Motion: Awareness of Group B Streptococcus

Awareness of Group B Streptococcus

Lodged by Margaret McDougall Members' Business Motion 23 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament notes with concern what it understands is the lack of public awareness regarding group B streptococcus (GBS) and the effects that it can have on newborn babies; understands that, in the UK, GBS infects over 500 babies every year and that 340 will develop early-onset GBS infection and one in 10 of them will die; believes that the incidence of early-onset GBS infection in England, Wales and Northern Ireland has remained unchanged since prevention strategies were first introduced in 2003 and that, in Scotland, it has increased from 0.21 per 1,000 live births in 2000 to 0.47 in 2012; understands that many countries, including the USA, Canada, Germany and Spain, offer routine testing for GBS at 35 to 37 weeks of pregnancy; notes that, although the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists does not recommend routine testing, the Scottish Government is not bound by this approach, and notes calls for the Scottish Government to introduce guidelines so that hospitals in the west of Scotland and beyond provide expectant mothers with information regarding GBS and either offer routine testing or provide information on how testing can be accessed privately.

Supporters (23)