Question reference: S4W-18507
- Asked by: Nanette Milne, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 21 November 2013
-
Current status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 3 December 2013
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to increase awareness of the signs of group B streptococcus infection in newborn babies.
Answer
The Scottish Government recognises the recently revised guidance called The Prevention of Early-onset Neonatal Group B Streptococcal Disease issued by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) for obstetricians, midwives and neonatologists in June 2012. This recommends an approach to testing and the use of antibiotics administration for pregnant women. The Scottish Government would expect healthcare staff to follow professional guidance from their respective Royal Colleges.
A clinical research fellow is currently being recruited by RCOG in partnership with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine to audit the implementation of this guidance from the RCOG in maternity units across the UK. It will aim to provide feedback and advice to those participating, including Scottish units.