Recommendation 27

An essential part of reducing the threat of AMR in humans is the day-to- day work of the NHS in preventing and controlling infections, such as good hygiene practices, aseptic technique and high standards of cleanliness, which can limit the need to use antimicrobials in the first place.67 A lot of AMR is spread through transmission in hospital. However, there is some evidence of setbacks in this area. While the UK previously had success in reducing cases of the resistant infections C. difficile and MRSA through infection prevention and control measures,68 most recent data shows that both infections had reached 13-year and 11-year highs respectively. Many of these infections are hospital-acquired.69