1. Purpose and Core Philosophy
As an HSC Northern Ireland GP Practice, we are fully committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based patient care while supporting regional antimicrobial stewardship guidelines set out by the Department of Health, the Public Health Agency (PHA), and the Northern Ireland Formulary.
Our policy aims to ensure that antibiotics are prescribed only when necessary, ensuring they remain effective for you, your family, and future generations.
2. Why We Are Reducing Antibiotic Use
Overusing antibiotics when they are not needed leads to antibiotic resistance. This occurs when bacteria adapt and survive treatment, making future infections harder or sometimes impossible to treat with conventional medicine.
To protect public health and standard medical treatments, we strictly follow regional recommendations to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions.
3. When Antibiotics Will NOT Be Prescribed
Antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses. They are ineffective against viral infections and self-limiting conditions, including:
- The Common Cold and Flu
- Viral Sore Throats and Tonsillitis (most throat infections are viral)
- Most Coughs and Acute Bronchitis
- Sinus Infections (the vast majority clear up naturally within two to three weeks)
- Mild Ear Infections in older children and adults
Prescribing antibiotics for these conditions does not speed up recovery and exposes patients to unnecessary side effects (such as rashes, stomach upsets, thrush, and severe allergic reactions).
4. How Our Practice Manages Minor Infections
When you consult a clinician with symptoms of an infection, they will perform a thorough assessment. If an antibiotic is not required, our team will:
- Provide Clear Advice: Explain why antibiotics are not suitable and offer self-care guidance.
- Recommend Symptom Relief: Advise on effective over-the-counter options (such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, fluids, rest, or treatments available through local community pharmacy services).
- Issue Delayed Prescriptions (When Appropriate): In specific uncertain cases, a clinician may offer a “back-up” or “delayed” prescription, instructing you to collect it only if your symptoms significantly worsen or do not improve after a set number of days.
- Offer Safety-Netting Instructions: Outline clear red flag symptoms to watch out for and explain when to contact us again, reach Out-of-Hours GP services, or seek urgent emergency care.
5. Patient Cooperation and Support
We kindly ask all our patients to respect our clinical decisions regarding antibiotics. Prescribing decisions are made solely based on clinical safety, evidence-based guidance, and your individual health assessment.
Note: Clinicians will not issue antibiotics simply upon request or for convenience.
Useful Resources and Support
- Pharmacy First Service: Speak to your local community pharmacist for free advice and treatment for common minor ailments without needing a GP appointment.
- NIDirect Health: Visit nidirect.gov.uk/health for official advice on managing winter illnesses, colds, and flu at home.
- GP Out-of-Hours: Contact your local HSC Out-of-Hours provider for urgent medical advice when the surgery is closed.