Use of antibiotics decreases for the first time

A new report from Public Health England (PHE) shows that for the first time fewer antibiotics are being prescribed by GPs and clinicians.

In 2015, 2.2 million fewer antibiotic prescriptions were dispensed in the community compared to 2014 – equating to around 6% of all prescriptions.

A decline in the use of antibiotics has occurred across all healthcare settings, including in the community and hospitals, which is the first time a reduction has been seen in antibiotic use across the whole healthcare system. Safely reducing the amount of antibiotics that are inappropriately prescribed is a vital part of the NHS’s work to tackle antibiotic resistance.

Dr Mike Durkin, NHS National Director of Patient Safety, said: “These results are a fantastic step in the right direction in the fight against antimicrobial resistance and are testament to the huge efforts of healthcare staff and local commissioners across the country, who must be congratulated for this achievement.”

Although we have seen significant reductions in prescribing of antibiotics, there’s still no room for complacency as antibiotic resistant infections have continued to increase.

Want to know more? The English surveillance programme for antimicrobial utilisation and resistance (ESPAUR) report includes national data on antibiotic prescribing and resistance, and hospital antimicrobial stewardship implementation.

With thanks to Public Health England for information and quotes.

Published 28th November, 2016