AN AIREDALE Hospital pharmacist is supporting a campaign urging people only to use antibiotics when necessary.

Kevin Frost, the hospital's antibiotic lead pharmacist, says overuse is threatening their effectiveness.

He has distributed information to staff at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, to coincide with European Antibiotic Awareness Day.

"Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats facing patient care," he said.

"If antibiotics start to lose their effectiveness, many routine treatments could become increasingly dangerous.

"We carry out monthly audits of how antibiotics are used at the hospital and although we achieve high levels of compliance with national standards, we shouldn't become complacent.

"Our aim is to make sure antibiotics are not being used or prescribed inappropriately and that we ensure patients get the correct antibiotic as quickly as possible when necessary."

Mr Frost and pharmacy colleagues regularly take part in educational sessions for junior doctors to promote the correct use of antibiotics and offer advice to patients, doctors and nurses.

For further information about the campaign, visit antibioticguardian.com