AN 'ANTIBIOTIC Amnesty' is being held this month in Shropshire for patients and health and social care staff to raise awareness on misuse.

Local healthcare leaders at NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin are encouraging patients and healthcare staff to return old and unused antibiotics to their nearest pharmacy and pharmacies will be supporting the amnesty to raise awareness on how the misuse of antibiotics has contributed to medicines becoming less effective against harmful bacteria.

The misuse of antibiotics has lead to a rise in situations where they become less effective in dealing with bacteria and other infections.

Dr Nick White, NHS Shropshire Telford and Wrekin's chief medical officer warned about the risk to peoples health if they medicine is taken when they do not need them.

He added: "As we approach winter, common illnesses will unfortunately be on the rise.

"If someone finds leftover antibiotics in their bathroom cabinet and gives that medication to a poorly family member, they might think that’s a kind and helpful gesture.

"However, the reality is that saving antibiotics for later or sharing them with others is dangerous and can have huge consequences.

"The misuse of antibiotics could leave someone suffering harmful side effects, as well as making that medication less effective at treating bacteria in the future.

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"You should only take antibiotics when advised by your doctor, and if you take them when you do not need them, it will put you at more risk in the future.

"It’s important for all of us, health professionals and public alike, to support the 'Antibiotic Amnesty' so we can help keep antibiotics working."

The 'Antibiotic Amnesty' took place last year and over 500 full or part packs of antibiotics were returned to pharmacies across the Midlands for safe disposal.

Liz Walker, Deputy Director of Medicines Optimisation for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, is keen to encourage people to dispose of medicines through safe channels.

She added: "Antibiotics that are thrown away in household rubbish, poured down the sink or flushed down the toilet are dangerous.

"These medicines can get into our rivers and seas and lead to more antibiotic resistance in the environment, which could in turn harm people.

"Pharmacies will always accept unwanted medicines from people or households for safe disposal.

"Medicines returned to a pharmacy are safely stored, collected by a licensed waste contractor and taken for safe disposal by incineration."

You can find your nearest local pharmacy via the https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy