Paragon Veterinary Group is urging clients to return any unused antibiotics to help tackle the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.

The Cumbrian practice is backing a national ‘Antibiotic Awareness Campaign’ that runs throughout November.

Laura Binnie, small animal veterinary surgeon and sustainability lead at Paragon, said: “Antimicrobial resistance, where bacteria become resistant rendering antibiotics ineffective, poses a risk to all of us.

“The more bacteria are exposed to antibiotics, the more they mutate and become resistant. That’s why it’s important that unused antibiotics are disposed of safely.

“We know clients often keep unused medication for later use. But sometimes they bin unused drugs or, worse still, flush them down the toilet where they enter the sewerage system and are discharged into rivers and the sea.

“Many water courses have become contaminated with antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals, contributing to antimicrobial resistance.

“Because of this, open-water swimmers and surfers demonstrate three times the rate of multidrug resistance than the general public.

“That should be a wake-up call. We need to stop this now.”

Paragon is asking clients to return any unused antibiotics and other medications to its surgeries at Dalston, Newbiggin near Penrith, Wetheral and Shap, where it has set up secure collection bins.

Any drugs returned will be disposed of safely, not resold.

Laura added: “We want to create a culture where it becomes the norm for clients to return unused medicines. That way, we can all do our bit to combat antimicrobial resistance.”

The November campaign is part of the One Health initiative, an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimise the health of people, animals and ecosystems.

The antibiotic amnesty is a nationwide initiative that some NHS trusts, pharmacies and vet practices are taking part in.

Paragon is an ethical veterinary practice that always strives to act responsibly and protect the natural environment.

It aims to become carbon neutral by 2030 and has created wellbeing gardens at all its sites to encourage wildlife and boost biodiversity. 

These efforts have been recognised with a string of awards including ‘national environment champion’ in the Investors in the Environment Awards, ‘green veterinary practice of the year’ in the Veterinary Green Awards and two RHS Cumbria In Bloom awards for its wellbeing garden at Dalston.

Last year Paragon became the first practice in the UK to be rated as ‘outstanding’ under the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons new environmental sustainability module and award.

Paragon has small animal, equine, farm and advanced breeding divisions. Find out more about the practice on their website here