Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents one of the most significant challenges to global public health today, the rise in antibiotic-resistant infections has rendered many commonly used treatments ineffective, threatening the management of a wide range of diseases. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a major contributor to morbidity and mortality, in addition the organisms responsible for these infections increasingly display resistance to multiple drugs.

The occurrence of AMR in health settings is compounded by several factors, including the overuse or misuse of antibiotics, cross-contamination, and lapses in IPC practices. Proper hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, isolation of infected patients, and adherence to antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP) are vital to reduce exposure to antimicrobials through a whole-systems approach to infection prevention and control (IPC), improved diagnostics and treatment in different settings.

The government has pledged to increase access to clinical trials for millions as part of its drive to modernise patient care in the NHS and drive economic growth and calls on the life sciences sector to prioritise the development of new approaches to diagnose and treat infections, the development of vaccines to prevent infections as well as the development new antimicrobials.

£567 million of government spending was directed towards AMR programmes between 2020-21 and 2023-24, while much more public money is spent on relevant activities like purchasing antibiotics and cleaning hospitals. The NHS is working to bring a combined clinical infection management approach to AMR/AMS, sepsis and infection prevention and control with the aim of improving outcomes across all settings, despite these efforts many trusts still struggle enforcing consistent and effective IPC measures influenced by factors such as staff workload, lack of resources, and insufficient training.

This conference aims investigate the prevalence of AMR in UK healthcare system, investment in innovation, antimicrobial stewardship and disposal, and evaluate the effectiveness of IPC measures currently in place. Delegates will gain an understanding of the AMR situation in the UK and evidence-based recommendations for improving infection control practices, enhancing antimicrobial stewardship, and ultimately reducing the burden of AMR on the NHS.