In April 2023 we became the first site in Wales to open the study. The study aims to recruit 320,000 women from 80 hospitals across England and Wales in order to try and reduce the number of newborn babies that develop serious Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infections. GBS is carried by an estimated 25% of pregnant women and can be passed from mother to baby during birth.
We have been selected to offer a Point Of Care rapid swab test for women admitted in early labour or for induction of labour. The results are available within 60 minutes, and women receiving a positive result will be offered antibiotics during labour which reduces the risk of women passing the GBS onto their baby. It is hoped this will also reduce the number of babies becoming seriously ill.