Reggie-Jay Payne

The MATTERS OF CONCERNS are as follows: During the course of the inquest I was referred to the HSIB report relating to Group B strep. It appears that GBS was never discussed with Miss at any time during her pregnancy. She was certainly not made aware of the dangers of this infection to her new baby. It would seem that had Miss been screened for GBS infection and the screen had proved positive she would have been offered antibiotics during labour and the death of baby Reggie Jay may have been avoided. At least 60 countries have a national policy for a form of microbiological screening and antibiotics use during pregnancy to prevent newborn GBS disease. I consider that for the safety of babies born in Milton Keynes, the trust should consider the introduction of a screening program for all pregnant mothers delivering in Milton Keynes. If the screening process proves positive, then antibiotic cover should be offered. This is an area where Milton Keynes could lead the rest of the country and save the lives of many babies.