New guidance launched to prevent misuse of antibiotics in NHS

The government has launched new guidelines on NHS antibiotic usage in order to address the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.

Coinciding with European Antibiotic Awareness Day, the Start Smart, Then Focus guidance offers best practice advice on how to select the right drug, dosage and treatment duration for each patient.

Similarly, various materials and animated videos are being distributed to GP surgeries in order to remind patients of the need to avoid unnecessarily using antibiotics to treat common coughs and colds.

The advice is being launched due to concerns that misuse of antibiotics is causing bacteria to become less susceptible, which could increase infection rates later down the line.

Professor Dame Sally Davies, the UK's chief medical officer, said: "It is important we use antibiotics in the right way if we are to get the best outcome for the patient, slow down resistance and make sure these important medicines continue to stay effective."

European Antibiotic Awareness Day is spearheaded by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, with partners including the European Paediatric Association and AGE Platform Europe.