Health watchdog issues alert over needless antibiotic prescriptions

DOCTORS are dishing out too many antibiotics, a health watchdog warns.

antibiotics, antibiotics risk, antibiotics danger, antibiotics over used,Between 2010 and 2013 there was a six per cent increase in the prescription of the drugs [E /GETTY]

Infections caused by resistant bacteria are soaring because of over-prescribing, says Public Health England.

It found that between 2010 and 2013 there was a six per cent increase in antibiotic prescriptions by GPs and hospitals.

One in 25 bugs that causes bloodstream infections is now resistant to at least one key antibiotic ingredient. The watchdog says prescriptions must be cut urgently to 2010 levels.

Professor Kevin Kerr, a consultant microbiologist, said: “Resistance to anti- biotics is rising inexorably and unless we face up to this problem now, the tide of multi-resistant superbugs will rise even further.”

Public Health England called for a “culture change” in hospitals.

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