Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps he is taking to address the threat of antimicrobial resistance for people with cystic fibrosis.
Minister of Health: Individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) are especially vulnerable to antimicrobial-resistant infections due to frequent antibiotic use. Their long-term management focuses on controlling chronic infections while minimising the development of resistance. Clinicians should choose antibiotics that target the specific bacteria and avoid giving them for longer than necessary or repeating courses without good reason. Regular lab testing of respiratory samples is important so infections can be spotted early, and any antibiotic resistance can be monitored.
Preventing infection is just as important as treating it. This includes good hand hygiene, thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting nebulisers and other breathing equipment, and keeping vaccinations up to date. In CF services, strong infection control measures are needed to stop patients passing infections to each other. Newer treatments can improve lung health and reduce how often infections happen, meaning fewer antibiotics are needed.
The Department is tackling the threat of antimicrobial resistance generally, not specifically in relation to cystic fibrosis, through the NI AMR Implementation Plan 2024-2029 which aims to reduce the need for and optimise the use of antimicrobials.
ENDS
Your MLA 