News

Holidaymakers could be adding to the problem of antibiotic resistance. Finnish researchers found those who pack “stand-by” antibiotics in case of diarrhoea were three times more likely to use them for mild or moderate doses – which can be treated without drugs. The increasing use of antibiotics in medicine and farming is causing bacteria to mutate and become resistant.

NHS Blood and Transplant is calling for 25,000 men to register as blood donors. Two-thirds of new donors are women but men’s blood is particularly useful to make plasma and platelets used to stop bleeding after injury or surgery. Director Mike Stredder said: “There is a particular need for O negative and B negative donors.” Visit blood.co.uk.

Dad-of-three Ben Noakes has launched a final push for donations for treatment to halt his multiple sclerosis. He is in pain every day and faces life in a wheelchair. Since his plight was published in March, Ben has raised £31,000 but needs to hit £45k by August so he can have HSCT, a form of chemo, in Moscow. Visit https:// www.facebook.com/ donate/1987474124857062/