HC Deb 01 March 2004 vol 418 cc721-3W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to ensure that the Green Top Guidelines, from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists(a) reach all parts of maternity care services and (b) will be used to inform each hospital's protocol for preventing group B streptococcus infection in newborn babies; what resources have been allocated to dissemination and education; and if he will make a statement. [156557]

Dr. Ladyman

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) published its clinical guidelines on the Prevention of Early Onset Neonatal Group B Streptococcal Disease in November 2003. The RCOG clinical guidelines are recommendations for good practice and exist to help patients and their healthcare team make the right decisions about health care. The guidelines are developed by teams of healthcare professionals, patients and scientists who look at the best evidence about care for a particular condition.

The Government supports the publication of the guidelines as they will inform local protocol and assist clinicians and patients in making decisions about the appropriate treatment for preventing group B streptococcus infection in newborn babies.

Resources for dissemination and education are not provided centrally.

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he uses to ensure that high quality information about group B streptococcus is given to all pregnant women as a routine part of their antenatal care. [156558]

Dr. Ladyman

"The Pregnancy Book", which is given to all first time mothers in the antenatal period is currently being revised to include information about group B streptococcus and contact details of the Group B Strep Support Group.

We also encourage all women who have any questions or concerns during their pregnancy to speak with their midwife or other health care professionals responsible for their care.