JMW Solicitors and UK charity Group B Strep Support (GBSS) are delighted to announce their partnership to raise greater awareness of group B Streptococcus and help families affected by the condition.

Nicola Wainwright, Clinical Negligence Partner at JMW Solicitors, will join Group B Strep Support’s legal panel as the charity celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Nicola said: “Group B Strep can have devastating consequences for parents and their babies yet a simple test during pregnancy can detect the bacteria and help to prevent babies becoming infected. We’re therefore pleased to join GBSS to raise awareness, campaign for change and the introduction of routine reliable testing for pregnant women and offer legal guidance to those affected.”

Group B Strep is the most common cause of life-threatening infection in newborn babies, causing meningitis, sepsis or pneumonia in over 700 babies every year in the UK.

On average in the UK:

• Two babies every day develop group B Strep infection;
• One baby a week dies from group B Strep infection; and
• One baby a week survives their group B Strep infection with long-term disability.

Jane Plumb MBE, CEO of GBSS, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Nicola to our respected Legal Panel. Most families and babies receive excellent care through the NHS, and do not develop group B Strep infection. However, when things have gone wrong because of clinical negligence, it’s so important that families are supported by legal experts with a deep understanding of group B Strep who can fight their corner.”

Group B Strep Support (GBSS) is the world’s leading charity working to eradicate group B Strep infection in babies. The charity was founded in 1996 by Jane and Robert Plumb, parents of baby Theo Plumb, who died from group B Strep infection.

Anyone concerned or affected by group B Strep can call the GBSS helpline on 0330 120 0796 Monday to Friday: 9am - 5pm or visit gbss.org.uk.