Public backing for antibiotic campaign

MEMBERS of the public have backed a bid by NHS Lanarkshire to raise awareness of antibiotic use.
By The Newsroom
Published 6th Jan 2012, 09:00 BST

The event organisers aimed to outline the correct use of antibiotics and explain how overuse can result in the drugs losing their effectiveness.

NHS Lanarkshire’s Pauline Hyland, an antimicrobial pharmacist, said: “We want the public to stop and think before they ask their GP for antibiotics.

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“The majority are prescribed for chest infections and although some of these do require antibiotics, many such as colds, coughs and upper chest infections are usually viral and are not helped by taking antibiotics.”

She continued: “Overuse of antibiotics can see bacteria becoming resistant to treatments.

“The correct use is vital and within NHS Lanarkshire new policies to improve antimicrobial management have helped lead to a reduction in antibiotic resistant bacteria such as Clostridium difficile.”

Bob Smith, vice-chairman of the North Public Partnership Forum, added: “Antibiotics are a valuable and limited resource and should only be used when there is evidence that patients will benefit from them.”

For more information visit http://ecdc.europa.eu/en/EAAD/Pages/Home.aspx