Baby died from infection which can be detected with an £11 test: Tragedy prompts coroner to demand Government action over screening

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A coroner has called for a review of NHS guidelines after a nine-day-old baby died from a common infection which is easily detected using an £11 test.

Edward Paddon-Bramley suffered brain damage caused by Group B Streptococcus (GBS) bacteria and died on June 5 2014 at St Thomas' Hospital.

Every year approximately 50 babies die from GBS and another 30-40 suffer serious long term health problems.

Today at the conclusion of his inquest, coroner Dr Julian Morris, of Southwark Coroner's Court, ordered the Department of Health to review their guidelines on the treatment of the infection.

Edward Paddon-Bramley suffered brain damage caused by Group B Streptococcus (GBS) bacteria and died on June 5 2014 at St Thomas' Hospital. He is pictured with his mother, Fiona Paddon

Dr Julian Morris, of Southwark Coroner's Court, today called for the Department of Health to review guidelines on Group B Streptococcus (GBS) bacteria to see if all pregnant women should be screened. Edward's parents, Fiona Padden and Scott Bramley, praised the coroner's decision

Edward's father, Scott Bramley, said: 'It's good that the coroner has suggested to the various bodies that they review their policies which is a much needed review.

'The current policy is out of date, especially with the new research.

'The doctors who spoke at the inquest said they have seen too many people like us and too many deaths that are preventable.'

The inquest heard that had his Ms Paddon been tested, his treatment would have been different and he may have survived.

She said: 'We would obviously advocate a change so there is a national screening plan with one of the more effective tests that is available.

'I would just urge those bodies to take some action in response to the coroner.

'This kind of devastation just doesn't need to happen and it is in their power to do something about it.

'They should not just think about figures and numbers - it is real people's lives that they have got in their hands.

Crying as she paid tribute to her son she said: 'He was a beautiful little boy and we loved him very much and we still love him.

'We are so grateful that we got to spend that time with him as some people don't even get that. He was our little star.'

Consultant obstetrician Ruth Cochrane, who delivered Edward by Caesarean when his blood pressure began to drop, told the inquest: 'I feel disquiet that women are not routinely tested for GBS, because it is so common and the effect of it on a number of babies.

'In my view, which is not shared by the Government or my college, is that we should be testing, and by testing I mean with a reliable test. At the moment this is not national policy.'

Coroner Dr Morris concluded Edward had died of natural causes 'as a result of Group B Streptococcus' and asked the Department of Health to review its guidelines, last updated in 2003.

He said: 'The question I ask is could more be done?

'The Royal College of Obstetricians guidelines were raised by consultants and the family in the inquest.

'It currently states that introducing a national swab based screening would have a substantial impact in maternity care and would require organisational changes and new funding to ensure a quality assured service was implemented.

'It is quite clear about the treatment for women in labour, but it is slightly unclear for women who are contracting but not in established labour.

'That cannot be uncommon.

'What is clear is that the risk of GBS with ruptured membrane of 18 hours is one death in 556 births.

'If full antibiotics are given intrapartum the risk is lowered to 1 in 2,777.

Praising her son, Mrs Paddon said: 'He was a beautiful little boy and we loved him very much and we still love him...He was our little star'

'Trust guidelines are based on the NICE guidelines, but between differing trusts there are very different lengths of time for intervening between 18 and 24 hours for subscribing of intrapartum antibiotics.

'Although affecting a small number of parents, GBS has a very profound effect on families and clinicians.'

Referring to evidence about new research on the effect of antibiotics at different times in the lead up to birth that was heard during the inquest he said: 'By reducing the length of time that ruptured membranes are allowed to remain it addresses the confusion for both parents and clinicians.

'I will be submitting a prevention of future deaths report to the Department of Health requesting that that the matter is reviewed.'

Dr Anne Mackie, Director of Programmes for the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC), said a review of screening concluded that screening would identify very few babies with Group B stretococcus, but the number of women offered antibiotics would be high.

She said: 'This could expose the mother and baby to unnecessary antibiotic use.' 

She added: 'We want to reassure women that if, during pregnancy, or following the birth of their baby, there is any risk of an infection, under current clinical guidance from RCOG and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) appropriate treatment would be offered to ensure their and their baby's safety.'