Lib Dems call on Barclay to convene a ‘Strep A Summit’ now

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

The Liberal Democrats have called on the Health Secretary Stephen Barclay MP to convene a ‘Strep A Summit’ immediately. Since the outbreak of Strep A in the UK, 15 children have tragically died. 

The Health Secretary must call for a ‘Strep A Summit’ now and get the NHS, public health directors, UKHSA, pharmacy representatives, GPs, and drug suppliers round the table to ensure our children are best protected from Strep A.

Alongside the summit, the Government should launch a public health messaging campaign to ensure parents are aware of the symptoms, the actions they should take and what steps the Government are taking to make sure there is a consistent supply of drugs to tackle Strep A. 

Parents up and down the country will be looking to the Government to make supplies of treatments for Strep A readily available in all areas of the country as soon as possible. 

GPs have also urged the government to put out clearer advice for parents about when to seek help over potential Strep A infections. Today, the Royal College of GPs, have said many surgeries were struggling with the extra demand on top of already existing pressures in the health system.

Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson, Daisy Cooper MP commented:

“The Health Secretary must convene an emergency Strep A Summit with the NHS and other key bodies to lay out a rigorous plan. 

“The Government must ensure that parents can access the appropriate medicines for their children. Parents will be looking to the Government to make supplies of treatments for Strep A immediately available across the country.

“I hope that we can work with the Health Secretary to raise awareness of this illness and the steps parents can take to keep their children healthy.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor

Full letter here:

The Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Department of Health and Social Care

Ministerial Correspondence and Public Enquiries Unit 39 Victoria Street

London

SW1H 0EU

9 December 2022 Case Ref: DC27656

Dear Secretary of State,

I am writing to you to raise my concern over the outbreak of Strep A and the tragic deaths of 15 children from this illness.

As you will know, although most Strep A infections are relatively mild, without medication it can cause more severe illness and even death. Despite assurances earlier this week that supplies were available, some pharmacists and doctors are still reporting shortages of treatments in parts of the UK.

That is why the Liberal Democrats and I are calling on you to convene a ‘Strep A Summit’ and get the NHS, public health directors, UKHSA, pharmacy representatives, GPs, and drug suppliers round the table to ensure that every area of the UK has the supply of penicillin and other appropriate medicines to treat Strep A.

By launching a national response to this issue and ensuring drug suppliers and medical professionals are given the resources to share stockpiles and get the drugs to areas that are seeing temporary shortages, this outbreak can be contained and lessons learnt for future emergencies.

In addition to the ‘Strep A Summit’, a public health messaging campaign should be launched as soon as possible. Parents must be made aware of the symptoms of Strep A and what course of action to take, but also what steps the Government is taking to ensure a consistent supply of drugs to treat it.

This public information campaign should also be comprehensive and target all parents with young children. It should highlight areas that have often been overlooked in health messaging. For example, I understand that on darker skin the Strep A symptoms can present in different ways to that of lighter skin. All parents need to be aware of the signs of Strep A and when they should contact a doctor or pharmacist for treatment.

Parents will be looking to the Government to make supplies of treatments for Strep A readily available in all areas of the country as soon as possible. The Liberal Democrats and I hope that we can work with you to raise awareness of this illness and the steps parents should take to keep their children healthy.

I look forward to your reply.

Yours sincerely,

Daisy Cooper MP

Member of Parliament for St Albans

Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Health and Social Care