Group B Strep Support

Updated on Dec 18, 2024

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Formation 1996 Location United Kingdom		Headquarters London
Legal status Registered charity no. 1112065 Purpose To prevent life-threatening group B Strep infection in newborn babies Region served England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands

Group B Strep Support is a national charity based in the United Kingdom.

History

Group B Strep Support was formed in 1996, after the founders' son had a group B Strep infection. Since then it has established a medical panel and set up a board of trustees. The charity has been heavily involved in public consultations on group B Strep prevention, and in 2012 commented on the National Screening Committee's review of GBS testing. In 2012, the chief executive Jane Plumb received an MBE for services for child health.

Aims

GBSS states that it has three main aims:

Offer information and support to families affected by group B Streptococcus

Inform health professionals and individuals how most group B Strep infections in newborn babies can be prevented

Generate continued support for research into preventing group B Strep infections in newborn babies

Key achievements

Worked with UK health professionals and professional medical bodies to raise the profile of group B Strep in the UK.

Played a part in causing the 2003 RCOG risk-based guidelines on the prevention of early-onset group B Strep infection, and continues to campaign for improved guidelines and awareness in medical professionals.

Raised significant public awareness of group B Strep and the impact a group B Strep infection can have on newborn babies if not prevented.