OUH pharmacists to raise awareness about antibiotic resistance
12/11/2018
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To mark European Antibiotic Awareness Day on Friday 16 November 2018, the Pharmacy Team will be on hand for staff, patients and visitors to get information about antibiotic resistance.
They will run stalls at the Churchill and John Radcliffe hospitals. At both the sites as well as at the Horton General Hospital, Microbiology and Infection Disease registrars and consultants will be visiting the wards to talk about the topic throughout the day.
Health organisations globally are calling for a reduction in the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. This is creating antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria against which none of our current antibiotics work. Without working antibiotics, common infections, as well as routine surgeries and cancer treatments, could become life-threatening.
Bhulesh Vadher, Clinical Director of Pharmacy at Oxford University Hospitals said: "It's vital that we keep antibiotics working to be able to fight serious infections effectively. It should be stressed that by taking antibiotics when they are not needed can put that person and their family at risk."
"It's equally important that, if prescribed, antibiotics are taken as advised by your healthcare professional and that you should only take the antibiotics that are prescribed for you."
The stall at the Churchill will run from 9.00am to 3.30pm by the main entrance in the area opposite WH Smith, and the JR stall will be open from 9.00am to 4.00pm by the League of Friends café.
There will be activities for children on each of the stalls, including colouring and bug-related arts and crafts.