Dame Sally Davies, the government’s chief medical officer has given an Antibiotics warning on the overuse of antibiotics which is leading to a “ticking time bomb” and should be put on the National Risk Register – which also includes “catastrophic terrorist attacks” and civil emergencies.

The register is designed to increase awareness about different types of threats and help government, individuals and organisations to think about their readiness.  It sets out an assessment of the likelihood and potential impact of a range of different risks which may affect the UK.   In the report Dame Sally also suggests better incentives for the pharmaceutical industry to develop new drugs and highlights the importance of better hygiene to avoid infections.  It also encourages only prescribing antibiotics when really needed to avoid infections becoming resistant.