I am pleased to support the Antibiotic Action initiative which is looking at how we can ensure we have effective antibiotics for use now and in the future. As a General Practitioner I am very aware of the importance of antibiotics. Antibiotics not only combat mild bacterial infections that I see every week in my GP surgery, but they are vital in hospital practice. They not only save lives but they improve the quality of life also; as proud Patron of charities such as The Meningitis Research Foundation, Diabetes UK and Bliss (the premature baby charity) I have met many people who simply would not have survived without them. Health Practitioners are working hard to use antibiotics appropriately so that antibiotic resistance does not reduce the number of effective treatments available.
This is only one small step in ensuring we can treat infections ? mild and life-threatening ? in the future. There needs to be concerted action from all to support the discovery and development of new agents. I urge you to support Antibiotic Action and sign the petition now ? 21st century medicine needs your support.