Publish date: 23 November 2023
The Macmillan Cancer Unit at Leighton Hospital turned blue this week in support of a campaign to promote antibiotics awareness.
Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust staff met at the site in Crewe, which is being illuminated during the evenings, to mark World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW).
They want to highlight how we can work together to ensure antibiotics continue to be a vital tool for treating bacterial infections.
AMR - antimicrobial resistance - is a medical term that means bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to the medicines used to treat them. It is a threat to humans, animals, plants and the environment.
When antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents become ineffective, infections become difficult or impossible to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.
World AMR Awareness Week promotes joint actions by leaders and communities to highlight the importance of using these products correctly. This year’s theme is ‘preventing antimicrobial resistance together’.
Scott Malton, Chief Nursing Officer at Mid Cheshire Hospitals, said: “It’s important that we show our support this week and it’s true that this is something we can all play a part in.
“If we make sure we use antibiotics wisely now, this will help to prevent resistance and ensure they work for us and our loved ones in the future.”
Richard Clansey, Pharmacist at Mid Cheshire Hospitals, said: “One of the biggest things patients can do is to ensure they take antibiotics as prescribed, never save them for later or share them with others.
“Please also be aware that antibiotics don’t work on infections caused by viruses. Common colds and most coughs or sore throats get better without antibiotics. For many minor illnesses, you can speak to your local pharmacist who can provide advice on over-the-counter medicines and safe self-care at home.”
World Health Organisation (WHO) information:
- AMR contributes to almost five million human deaths from bacterial infections alone each year.
- WHO has highlighted AMR as one of the top 10 global public health threats.
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