SDLP Health Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA has called for the introduction of a routine Group B Streptococcus screening programme which would prevent newborn babies becoming seriously ill and dying from the infection.
The SDLP has previously called for an NHS wide programme and raised the issue with former Prime Minister David Cameron.
The health issue was in sharp focus this week at an inquest in Belfast.
The parents of a baby girl who died just half an hour after birth have said they are shocked that information is still not being provided about the danger posed by the Group B Strep infection in unborn babies.
Brendan and Susan Maguire went through the trauma of losing little Hollie on October 26, 2016, and warned other mothers-to-be to take a simple test for the infection.
The Coroner, Patrick McGurgan, confirmed the cause of death at the Royal Victoria Jubilee Maternity as Congenital Pneumonia (Group B Strep).
Mr Durkan said: “GBS infection is one of the most common causes of life-threatening infections in new born babies.
“The cost of introducing a screening programme for expectant mothers would be minor and would prevent the unimaginable pain of losing a young child.
“Screening programmes in other countries, including the US, Spain and France have seen reported cases of GBS infection fall dramatically.
“It’s time we offered more support to affected parents and children here.
“The SDLP has raised this matter previously, including with former Prime Minister David Cameron.
“It’s critical that we move on this issue and it once again demands the restoration of a local Executive with political leadership from a new Health Minister,” he added.
