'Bill' to fight antibiotics misuse

A CARTOON character is to front a new health initiative aimed at reducing the inappropriate use of antibiotics across Mansfield and Ashfield.
'Ill Bill' will feature on leaflets and posters warning about the dangers of using the wrong type of antibiotics to cure illnesses.

As part of the Nottinghamshire County Primary Care Trust (PCT) campaign, which will see the leaflets distributed in GP practices and pharmacies, health chiefs are also advising patients to follow guidelines on prescribed medicine and to take their medicine as soon as possible.

This week Cathy Quinn, chief pharmacist from the PCT, told Chad: "The aims of the antibiotics campaign and initiative within GP practices and community pharmacies are to educate patients about the importance of appropriate antibiotic use.

"For example, staying in and keeping warm is far more effective in dealing with a cold or flu virus as antibiotics only work with bacterial infections.

"Community pharmacists are also able to advise on remedies that can help manage cold and flu symptoms. This action will help the PCT to maintain the current low use of antibiotics across the county and support us to reduce healthcare acquired infections in the community.

"The appropriate use of antibiotics will also help ensure that antibiotics which are prescribed continue to work effectively."

Source:www.chad.co.uk