Recommendation 5

Addressing the threat of AMR should be a core part of all of the NHS’s work, including the fundamentals that reduce the spread of infection. Infection prevention and control measures, such as good hygiene practices, aseptic techniques and high standards of cleanliness, are vital for reducing AMR infections in the NHS. By concentrating on these, MRSA infections were reduced but are now increasing again. Other factors include the poor condition of the NHS estate, which makes cleaning and infection control more difficult, shortfalls in the medical microbiologist workforce, and a lack of sustained impact from professional engagement campaigns. recommendation a. NHS England must ensure that AMR is mainstreamed into everyday NHS policy and practice, addressing issues within the NHS estate and workforce to reduce infections. b. UKHSA should continue to use its modular hospital ward to develop best practice when building or refurbishing wards.