Children cared for in district general hospitals (DGHs) are often neglected from antimicrobial stewardship programmes due to limited funding and staffing. Amidst an NHS workforce crisis, a collaborative approach is more important than ever. South Yorkshire have evidenced a reduction in unnecessary antimicrobial prescribing in paediatrics via a collaborative regional network.
This educational programme will equip local leaders within DGHs across the UK with up-to-date evidence-based knowledge and skills to deliver high-quality AMS programmes to local paediatric and neonatal services. This programme will empower staff across the multi-disciplinary team (including paediatricians, microbiologists, pharmacists and nurses) to lead stewardship activities in their respective trusts, and in collaboration with others across a regional network model supported by tertiary paediatric centres. The programme will be piloted and evaluated on a small subset of regions, with the view to wider roll out.
This project represents early steps to improving AMS for all children across the UK, tackling health inequalities between adult and paediatric services, and increasing the UK health professional’s knowledge on AMR as per the UK AMR National Action Plan 2024-2029.
This BSAC project is led by Dr Charlotte Fuller (Paediatric Specialty Trainee) and Dr Sanjay Patel (Paediatric ID Consultant) supported by the UK PAS network, with funding provided by GSK UK Grants and Donations Programme.