Group B Strep Support

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

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.^[1] Since then it has established a medical panel^[2] and set up a board of trustees.^[1] 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.^[3] In 2012, the chief executive Jane Plumb received an MBE for services for child health.^[4]

Aims

GBSS states that it has three main aims:^[5]

• 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.^{[6][7][8][9][10]}
• 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.^[11]
• Raised significant public awareness of group B Strep and the impact a group B Strep infection can have on newborn babies if not prevented.^{[12][13][14][15][16][17][18]}

Notable supporters

• David Cameron^[19]
• Jeffrey Donaldson^[19]
• Nadine Dorries^[20]
• Kate Garraway^[19]
• Philip Hollobone^[19]
• Hilary Jones (doctor)^[19]
• Theresa May^[19]
• Alasdair McDonnell^[19]
• James Roby^[19][21][22]
• Nicholas Soames^[19]

Patron

• Chris Steele

References

1. "Group B Strep Support - Who We Are: People involved: Executive Committee". GBSS. 2013-11-07. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
2. "Group B Strep Support - Who We Are: People involved: GBSS Medical Advisory Panel". GBSS. 2013-11-07. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
3. "Group B Strep Support - News and Events: Screening Committee". GBSS. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
4. "New Year Honour for charity founder". Mid Sussex Times. 2012-01-03. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
5. "Group B Strep Support - Who We Are: What GBSS wants". GBSS. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
6. "UK | England | Southern Counties | Charity aims to curb baby illness". BBC News. 2005-09-27. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
7. "Health | Pregnancy infection screening call". BBC News. 2003-08-02. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
8. "Calls to test mums after baby catches serious illness (From Your Local Guardian)". Yourlocalguardian.co.uk. 2008-04-23. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
9. "Opportunities to prevent meningitis in young babies 'being missed'". Telegraph. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
10. "News - Screen pregnant women for group Strep B". OnMedica. 2008-02-27. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
11. "Group B Streptococcus". Screening.nhs.uk. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
12. "Bring in Group B Strep Testing for all Women... - HAYWARDS HEATH, England, December 1, 2010 /PR Newswire UK/". united kingdom: Prnewswire.co.uk. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
13. "Expecting a baby? Then be aware of the dangers of Strep B | Mail Online". Dailymail.co.uk. 2010-03-27. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
14. "Arnold mum Lisa eaton is campaigning to raise awareness of Group B Streptococcus infection". Nottingham Post. 2010-03-15. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
15. "Politicians support Group B Strep awareness campaign". Derry Journal. 2011-09-01. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
16. "Two caring charities win prestigious award major award". Mid Sussex Times. 2013-10-31. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
17. "MP calls for NHS testing to stop babies dying - West Sussex Gazette". Westsussextoday.co.uk. 2013-06-25. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
18. "Charity picks Ralf for UK campaign | News". Cambrian-news.co.uk. 2013-09-19. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
19. "Group B Strep Support - Who We Are: High-Profile Support". GBSS. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
20. "Routine tests in pregnancy needed, says MP Nadine Dorries - Health - News - London Evening Standard". Standard.co.uk. 2013-11-07. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
21. "James Roby Testimonial 2013 - 2014". Jamesrobytestimonial.co.uk. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
22. "Why Saints' James Roby is raising funds for a cause close to his own heart (From St Helens Star)". Sthelensstar.co.uk. 2013-08-22. Retrieved 2013-12-09.

External links

• Official website