13 November 2019

The following information is from our colleagues at Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG)

Routine NHS treatments such as caesarean sections, cancer and dental treatment could become dangerous unless more is done to tackle antibiotic resistance, urges NHS Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

As part of World Antibiotics Awareness Week, which begins on Monday, 18 November 2019, healthcare bosses are backing the national ‘Keep Antibiotics Working’ campaign which aims to raise awareness of the risks of antibiotic resistance.

Taking antibiotics when they are not needed encourages harmful bacteria that live inside our bodies to become resistant. This means that antibiotics may not work when we really need them to.

To mark the week, a series of pop-up events will be taking place in Shropshire offering advice and guidance on antibiotic use. Healthcare professionals will also advise that you don’t always need antibiotics for common ailments, and that your first port of call should be your pharmacist for free expert advice – no appointment necessary.

With advice and tips on how to keep antibiotics working why not come along to one of the following events:

Monday, 18 November, 2019

  • Clive Surgery, 20 High Street, Clive, Shrewsbury, SY4 5PS (8.30am-12.30pm)

Wednesday, 20 November, 2019

  • Broseley Medical Practice, Bridgnorth Road, Broseley, TF12 5EL (10.45am-12.35pm)

Saturday, 23 November, 2019

  • Station Drive Surgery, Station Drive, Ludlow, SY8 2AB (8.30am-12.30pm)

Dr Julian Povey, Chair of Shropshire CCG, said: “Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats facing us today and the overuse or misuse of antibiotics is making the problem worse.

“Without effective antibiotics, many treatments that we now take for granted will become much more hazardous. Setting broken bones, basic operations, transplants, even chemotherapy, all rely on access to antibiotics that work.

“To slow the resistance, we need to cut the use of unnecessary antibiotics. An important way of doing this is to heed the advice of healthcare professionals and not ask directly for antibiotics.”

Elizabeth Walker, Head of Medicines Management at Shropshire CCG, said: “If you are given antibiotics it is vital that you can take them exactly as prescribed and return any unused antibiotics if you are better. You should never save them for later.

“Antibiotics do not work for viruses such as colds and flu-like symptoms, vomiting, most coughs, ear infections and sore throats among others. The best approach is to get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, and see your pharmacist.”

For further information on antibiotic resistance and the ‘Keep Antibiotics Working’ campaign, please visit: www.shropshireccg.nhs.uk/health-advice/keep-antibiotics-working.