Sherwood Forest Hospital NHS Trust has joined a ground-breaking UK wide trial that will see a more comprehensive testing regime for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infections in new-borns.
GBS is the leading cause of life-threatening illness in the UK for new-born babies and can cause sepsis, meningitis and pneumonia.
The new trial being piloted by the Department for Health within the NHS will ensure a higher quality of test will be used, giving more accurate readings. It will also introduce universal screening for pregnant women, rather than testing by those who are at most risk.
Supporting the trial, Mark Fletcher said:
“This is a fantastic new scheme to help combat GBS in new-born babies. Sadly, far too many babies throughout the UK pass away or are affected by life changing disabilities following their birth.
This new scheme will introduce better and more frequent testing to stop GBS in its tracks, something that I know will be welcome by many working in the industry, as well as many soon to be parents.
I’m really pleased to see that Sherwood Forest Hospital NHS Trust have agreed to take part in the trial.”
This news follows the Government’s commitment to half all stillbirths, neo-natal deaths and brain injuries in babies by 2025.
So far 15 out of a possible 80 trusts have signed up to the trial.
