RCGP Chair repsonds to Health Protection Agency report on
antibiotics
18/11/11
RCGP Chair Dr Clare Gerada has responded to
the Health Protection Agency report that ‘over half of all people
who visit their doctor with coughs and colds still expect
antibiotics’.
RCGP Chair Dr Clare Gerada said:
“Antibiotics are a wonderful thing when used properly, but they
are not a cure-all for every condition, and should not be seen, or
used, as such. The opposite is often true and, when used
excessively or inappropriately, they can actually do more harm than
good; reducing a patient’s immunity to illnesses, or building up an
immunity to antibiotics, both of which can have negative
consequences for good health.
“One of the many benefits of the unique relationship between GPs
and their patients is that these occasionally difficult
conversations can be had in a consultation, allowing the doctor and
patient to come to a mutual agreement on the best course of
treatment.”
Further information
RCGP Press office – 020 3188 7576/7575/7574
Out of hours: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk