Written question WQ83178

Welsh Government remains committed to achieving the 5-year ambitions contained in the UK National Action Plan 2019-24 to combat antimicrobial resistance.

Ensuring appropriate prescribing of antimicrobials remains a key focus. This has become even more important as part of our COVID-19 pandemic recovery as we continue to promote effective prescribing practices.

A wide range of initiatives is already in place across both primary and secondary care. These include the recruitment of a specialist workforce in primary care and in hospitals, the creation of digital apps for doctors to facilitate evidence-based prescribing. Our Programme for Government includes a commitment to implement electronic prescribing across the NHS, which when implemented will provide further support for clinicians when prescribing antimicrobials.

We have supported the implementation of sophisticated clinical surveillance programmes in all health boards across Wales which support infection prevention and control measures and antimicrobial stewardship activities. The surveillance enables us to monitor antibiotic usage and infection rates, including those caused by drug-resistant organisms. Initiatives are also in place to raise public awareness of antimicrobial resistance, for example through the delivery of interactive education in primary and secondary schools.

A Welsh Health Circular will be circulated imminently providing further direction and support to health boards to reduce their infection burden and reliance on our precious antimicrobial drugs.