Public urged to use antibiotics safely as resistant infections rise in North West

PEOPLE across the North West are being urged to use antibiotics safely as new figures reveal antibiotic resistant infections in the Region reached an estimated:- 38.6 cases per 100,000 population in 2024, up from:- 35.8 per 100,00 in 2023.

National surveillance data published by the UK Health Security Agency today shows the North West has the 2nd highest burden of antibiotic-resistant infections in England, behind only London. However, the Region has also achieved England's largest reduction in primary care antibiotic prescribing, demonstrating that targeted programmes are delivering results.

The English Surveillance Programme for Antimicrobial Utilisation and Resistance (ESPAUR) report reveals that across England, there were an estimated 20,484 antibiotic-resistant infections in 2024, equivalent to nearly 400 newly reported cases per week. This represents a:- 9.3% increase since 2023.

The report offers vital insights into the scale of the problem we face as the UK urgently tackles antibiotic resistance through the challenging goals and targets set out in the:- 'UK National Action Plan 2024-29.'

The report shows that most antibiotic resistant bloodstream infections in the last 6 years (65%) were caused by E. coli, a common cause of urinary tract infections.

The North West achieved the largest decrease in primary care antibiotic prescribing across England at:- 4.5%, with total antibiotic use in the Region falling by 2.7% between:- 2023 and 2024; the 2nd largest reduction among English Regions.

Dr Will Morton, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA North West, said:- "The increase in antibiotic-resistant infections we have seen in the North West is concerning and shows we cannot be complacent. Antibiotic resistance remains 1 of the greatest health threats we face. It is encouraging that antibiotic use has declined, and we are working closely with healthcare partners across the Region to ensure antibiotics are only used when absolutely necessary. I urge everyone in the North West 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 1st place. By working together, we can reverse this upward trend."

Data for 2024 highlights that the inequality gap in antibiotic-resistant infections has almost doubled since 2019. People living in the most deprived communities were:- 47.2% more likely to have an antibiotic-resistant infection compared to those in the least deprived areas in 2024, compared to:- 29.4% in 2019.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are harder to treat and can cause serious complications, including:- bacteraemia (a life-threatening infection where bacteria enter the bloodstream), sepsis, and hospitalisation. People who develop a bacterial infection that is resistant to antibiotics are more likely to die within 30 days compared to those who have a treatable infection.

While anyone can acquire an antibiotic-resistant infection, the risk increases sharply with age. Adults over the age of 45 continue to be most at risk, accounting for:- 90% of cases and 46.2% were detected in people aged over 74.

For the 1st time, the ESPAUR report includes data on antibiotic prescriptions from the new Pharmacy First service. Most antibiotics prescribed in 2024 were in primary care (79.6%), within which:- 'Pharmacy First' accounted for 4%. Antibiotic prescribing in general practice and dentistry remains below 2019 levels.

Within the NHS, overall antibiotic use in 2024 was 2% lower than the 2019 pre-pandemic baseline. However, prescribing rates remain above pre-pandemic levels in certain groups, such as children and young people.

Antibiotic prescriptions made through private (non-NHS) routes have continued to increase. In 2024, 22% of antibiotic prescriptions made through primary care were from the private sector.

UKHSA North West continues to work with partners to understand the reasons for these differences and design interventions to tackle them.

For more information, visit the report here.

Bolt makes Liverpool the home of their 1st UK scooter launch

LIVERPOOL City Council has awarded Bolt, Europe's largest micromobility platform, a contract to operate shared scooters and e-bikes from early 2026.

The new service, replacing existing provider Voi, will see 2,000 scooters and 100 e-bikes deployed across Liverpool, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It will cover the entire City, with areas such as:- Speke and Garston set to have scooters for the 1st time.

This agreement marks the company's 1st UK scooter launch.

Bolt is working closely with the Council to ensure the service is safe, well integrated, and supports the City's transport and sustainability goals. Expanding the City's scooter and e-bike offering is part of the Council's aim to provide active travel options, which are beneficial for both health and the environment.

Research has found that almost ⅔ of all journeys in the City are made by car, which generates almost ˝ million tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year. Scooters offer a sustainable alternative and can be accessed easily through the use of an app.

Following the introduction of its e-bikes in London in August 2025, Bolt's expansion to Liverpool represents a major milestone in its UK growth and commitment to providing more sustainable urban transport options.

Almost half of Bolt's e-bike and scooter trips around the world are to and from bus and train stations, showing how Liverpool's service can reduce reliance on private cars.

The scooters and e-bikes come equipped with industry leading safety and parking features, including:-

• Maximum speed limit of 15.5 mp/h for both scooters and e-bikes.
  

• In app cognitive reaction test to prevent drunk riding.
  

• AI based photo validation and geofencing to ensure proper parking.

Users must be 18 or over and, and those wanting to ride scooters must hold a valid driving licence.

Bolt's AI-powered parking system analyses user-submitted photos at the end of each trip, providing real time feedback and issuing fines for incorrect parking. Each user will also have a:- ‘rider score' to encourage responsible vehicle riding and parking.

Bolt's technology-led approach has already proven effective elsewhere: in Stockholm, improper parking dropped by 69%, and Bureau Veritas audits in Brussels found that Bolt users parked correctly almost 100% of the time.

All vehicles will be maintained by local Bolt teams and monitored via GPS to ensure safety, availability, and reliability. These measures are designed to keep pavements clear and ensure Bolt contributes positively to Liverpool's streets.

Private scooters remain illegal on public roads, while using the vehicles on pavements or with 2 riders are also against the law.

Councillor Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity said:- "Scooters and e-bikes are a fantastic way to travel around the City. They're safe, they encourage active travel, and they offer a sustainable option that could reduce the amount of traffic on our streets. We are looking forward to working closely with Bolt and we're very pleased that more people in Liverpool than ever before will have easy access to this option. It's really encouraging that our work with Bolt puts measures in place that encourage responsible use and discourage incorrect parking. The service will also operate 24/7 which will assist shift workers and those in the night-time economy who need to travel when there is no public transport."

John Buckley, Bolt's Head of Micromobility for the UK, said:- "With over 230,000 scooters and e-bikes operating in more than 270 cities across Europe, we've seen how micromobility can encourage environmentally friendlier travel, reduce car traffic, and connect people to public transport. Launching micromobility in Liverpool, and our 1st ever scooter service in the UK, is a key step in Bolt's commitment to building better urban transport."

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