AMR Action UK

Who we are

Antimicrobial Action UK (AMR UK) is the UK Patient Organisation (PO) for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines like antibiotics. It is already a significant health issue, and the impact is predicted to grow exponentially in the years ahead. In 2019, bacterial infections were the 2nd leading cause of death in the UK with 87,500 fatalities - around 50% were associated with drug resistance and it is known that numbers continue to climb.

Although AMR is a massive and a growing problem in the UK, there is almost no public awareness of the devastating impact it has on the lives of those affected, and the actions that politicians and NHS systems need to take to reverse this trend. AMR Action intends to address this problem, making sure that people have the information they need to hold policy-makers and healthcare systems to account.

AMR is a global problem. Without drastic and urgent action, experts estimate AMR could cause 39 million deaths worldwide by 2050. There are many aspects of AMR that require long-term systems change across governments, NGO’s and health systems across the globe, as well as long-term research into the development of new antibiotics and alternative treatments. AMR Action UK is focussed on the changes that can happen NOW, in all four nations of the United Kingdom. These changes will prevent avoidable harm from antimicrobial resistance, like preventing people catching “superbugs”, and ensuring they get the treatment they need in a timely way to minimise the risk serious illness or death.

Our legitimacy to engage with politicians, policy-makers and NHS systems and advocate on behalf of people impacted by AMR comes from our deep knowledge of what is important to patients. This insight comes from our engagement with patients, families and those at risk of developing an AMR-related medical condition.

What we do

Patient Services

We support patients and their loved ones through our patient support services – hearing their very personal stories while helping them access the treatment and support that they need.

Patient and Public Engagement

We engage with patients, families and the wider public to identify concerns and provide a conduit for these views to decision-makers in all settings.

Research

We commission patient-centred research that has potential to improve the lives of those at risk of harm from AMR.

Campaigning

As a single organisation, or jointly with others, we campaign for changes to policy and practice, within the UK that have the potential to reduce avoidable deaths from AMR and other forms of harm.

Fundraising

As an independent charity, with no government or NHS funding, AMR Action UK fundraises to support its work.

Patient Support and Information service

Finding out that you or someone you love might have an AMR-related health condition can feel very daunting. Our Patient Support and Information Service is here to help! Staffed by qualified nurses, this service provides information and sign-posting to support patients and families navigate health systems and treatment options, as well as sign-posting to other organisations who can also help.

Our team of empathetic nurses are on hand to talk to you about your worries and to offer non-medical advice and trustworthy information.

Our service is available Monday to Friday, 10:30 -14:30.

You can reach us by:

Calling 07367 784 114

Emailing us at patient.support@amr-action-uk.org

When emailing please request either an email reply or a telephone call back. If you would like us to call you, please include your name, telephone number and the nature of your enquiry. This is all done confidentially, so we will not share your information or details of your enquiry. Please note a call back will come from a withheld number.

Our experienced nurses provide general education about AMR, including what it is, how it develops, and why responsible use of antimicrobials is important. We don’t offer personal medical advice (e.g., we won’t suggest specific antibiotics for your condition), but we can talk to you about almost anything else.

Here are some of the things we can do.

• Help you to understand medical information from your doctor/healthcare provider

• Signposting to trusted online resources, support groups, or specialist services

• Send you reliable information about your infection and treatment

• Provide advice and suggestions on what to speak to your healthcare professional about

• Help you work out next steps in seeking care, treatment or help

• Provide emotional support and empathy

• Enable you to talk to others going through similar experiences, reducing feelings of isolation

• Talk about caring for someone with an infection

Peer Support Group

Our Patient Support and Information nurses also host a monthly peer support group via Zoom.

If you are struggling with an ongoing infection or feel alone in having to cope with everything the peer support group is where you can find a welcoming and understanding environment. The meetings will enable you to speak to and hear from others, talk about some of the issues you are dealing with and provide a safe space to share with others who understand and have lived experience of a similar condition.

If you are interested in joining one of these monthly sessions, please email us at patient.support@amr-action-uk.org

Governance

Board

AMR Action UK is a charity. Its activities are overseen by a Board of Trustees, UK is run by the Trustees, who are elected by the Members There is one formal Committee of the Board which is the Finance Committee, as well as advisory structures to provide the Board advice on matters of technical interest, for example, scientific and research activities.

Senior Leadership Team

AMR Action UK has a small senior leadership team, led by a part-time Chief Executive Officer, Kirsteen Wills.

Work for us

AMR Action UK is a forward-looking, mission-driven organisation interested in working with people who share our vision and who bring professionalism, energy, enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit to their work.

The charity is a totally virtual organisation, meaning that for most roles we can offer excellent opportunities for people who live in remote and rural areas of the UK, as well as those who live in major conurbations.

Our vacancies are advertised on The Charity Jobs website.

Get in Touch

AMR Action UK is a virtual organisation and does not have an office (meaning we can spend more of the money we raise on our activities rather than on overheads). You can contact us in the following ways:

General enquiries

E-mail: info@amr-action-uk.org
Phone: 
Call us on 07549 020999
Post: AMR Action UK

167-169 Great Portland Street

5th Floor

London

W1W 5PF

Press Enquiries

Email: media@amr-action-uk.org