Antimicrobial Stewardship

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing threat where infections stop responding to antibiotics. In Wales, the AMR & HCAI Improvement Goals 2025-27 (Public Health Wales/Welsh Government) set clear targets to:

• Reduce unnecessary antibiotic use
• Strengthen infection prevention & control (IPC)
• Improve hand hygiene across all care settings

As Health & Social Care staff and champions, your day-to-day practice contributes directly to these goals. Key actions include:

• Prudent antibiotic use - only when clinically necessary and following local guidance
• Strict IPC practices - hand hygiene, PPE, and safe care routines reduce infection spread
• Monitoring & reporting - help track resistant infections and support local stewardship programmes
• Educating residents and families - explaining why antibiotics may not always be needed

Why it matters:

• Protects residents and patients from resistant infections
• Supports safer care in homes, community, and hospital settings
• Aligns your work with PHW/WG national priorities and improvement frameworks

Resources & guidance: Antimicrobial Surveillance - Public Health Wales

Even small actions every day; hand hygiene, following IPC protocols, and careful antibiotic use,  make a real difference to patient safety and public health in Wales.