Mayo General Hospital hosts Antibiotic Awareness Day

Last week (Tuesday 26 November), Mayo General Hospital hosted an Antibiotic Awareness Day to promote antibiotic awareness both for the general public and for staff. The event was organised by the hospital’s Infection Control Team who were on hand to answer any questions and to provide information. They also organised an antibiotic awareness quiz with prizes.
 
Rose Cafferkey, Antimicrobial Pharmacist, Mayo General Hospital said, “Our main message on the day was that antibiotics don’t work for a cold or flu and other infections caused by viruses. Taking antibiotics when you don't need them is a waste. It can also mean that they won't work when you really need them for a serious infection and put you at risk of side effects.
 
“We must use antibiotics wisely and use them only when necessary and appropriate. If anyone has any questions about the use of antibiotics, I would urge them to talk to their GP. There is also information available at www.hse.ie/antibiotics”.
 
Photo Caption:
At the Antibiotic Awareness Day at Mayo General Hospital on 26 November, from left: Grainne McHale, Clinical Nurse Specialist; Majella Sharkey, Surveillance Scientist; Rose Cafferkey, Antimicrobial Pharmacist; Ramona O’Neill, Clinical Nurse Specialist; and Andrea McGrail, Assistant Director of Nursing. The event was organised by the hospital’s Infection Control Team to promote antibiotic awareness both for the general public and for staff.