A mum whose baby died three times on the way to hospital has criticised a decision not to routinely test pregnant women for a potentially fatal infection.

Mum-of-four Louise Pallister, of Latchingdon, had not known about Group B Streptococcus (GBS) until her third child, Leo, was diagnosed shortly after his birth.

When her youngest son Rylee was born 18 months later, she was refused a test but was given antibiotics because of Leo’s experience.

The Department of Health has decided not to give healthcare professionals access to a more accurate swab for GBS, which had been due to be introduced on January 1.

Mrs Pallister, also mum to Macy, 12, and Hayden, nine, said: “It’s something that can be prevented, why not test and give mums antibiotics?”