ANTIBIOTIC-resistant infections in the West Midlands region reached an estimated 32.8 cases per 100,000 population in 2024 – according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
A national surveillance data published by the agency reveals this is an increase of 2.3 per 100,000 compared to last year’s rate (30.5).
The rise in the West Midlands region mirrors a concerning national trend.
Across England, there were an estimated 20,484 antibiotic-resistant infections last year, equivalent to nearly 400 newly reported cases per week.
This represents a 9.3 per cent increase since 2023, rising from 18,740 cases. The West Midlands region’s rate remains significantly lower than London, which had the highest burden at 44.3 per 100,000 population.
The report shows that most antibiotic-resistant bloodstream infections in the last six years were caused by E. coli, a common cause of urinary tract infections.
Sarah Smith, UKHSA West Midlands Consultant in Health Protection leading on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), said: “The increase in antibiotic-resistant infections in the West Midlands region is concerning and shows we cannot be complacent. Antibiotic resistance remains one of the greatest health threats we face.
“The increase in antibiotic use we have seen in our region needs addressing, particularly the rise of 8.5% antibiotic consumption in secondary care from 2023 to 2024. We are working closely with healthcare partners across the region to ensure antibiotics are only used when absolutely necessary.
“I urge everyone in the West Midlands region to play their part in tackling antibiotic resistance. Only take antibiotics if you have been told to do so by a healthcare professional. Do not save some for later or share them with friends and family. If you have leftover antibiotics, please bring them to a pharmacy for appropriate disposal.
“It is also important to take up the vaccinations you are eligible for, to help stop infections in the first place. By working together, we can reverse this upward trend.”
The report offers insights into the scale of plans to tackle antibiotic resistance through the challenging goals and targets set out in the UK National Action Plan 2024-29.
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria of any kind are less likely to respond to treatment, causing serious complications, including bacteraemia, a life-threatening infection where bacteria circulate in the blood, sepsis, and hospitalisation.
Antibiotic resistance occurs naturally, but there are ways that it can be tackled, including by limiting antibiotic use to where it’s most needed.
Within the NHS, overall antibiotic use in 2024 was two per cent lower than the 2019 pre-pandemic baseline, suggesting a return to more stable prescribing patterns. The agency said however, among certain groups, prescribing rates remain above pre-pandemic levels, for example, in children and young people.
For the first time, the ESPAUR report includes data on antibiotic prescriptions from the new Pharmacy First service, alongside other primary care services including general practice and dentistry.
The majority of antibiotics prescribed in 2024 were in primary care, within which Pharmacy First accounted for four per cent.
Antibiotic prescribing in general practice and dentistry remains below 2019 levels.
In secondary care, the West Midlands region showed increased antibiotic consumption in 2024 (a rise of 8.5 per cent since 2023) aligning with eight out of nine regions that demonstrated increased secondary care antibiotic use.
Antibiotic prescriptions made through private (non-NHS) routes have continued to increase. In 2024, 22 per cent of antibiotic prescriptions made through primary care were from the private (non-NHS) sector.
