From examination of prescribing data Walsall NHS highlighted that the prescribing rate of antibiotics locally was above that of the National average.

It was recognised by health professionals that whilst doctors are prescribing higher levels they are also feeling pressured to act on patient wishes. In some instances the local community has come to expect antibiotics and therefore demand this whilst having limited knowledge around the potential side effects of antibiotics and how to self manage the symptoms of common infections.

As a balance to targeted awareness campaigns and training sessions that the NHS provides for GPs the commissioners funded and Arts into Health project that would creatively explore the issues related to the over prescribing of antibiotics with a focus on community involvement and engagement. Working toward the aim that when antibiotics are prescribed they are done so appropriately and with community knowledge and understanding around the steps that could easily be taken- to manage common infections such as colds, coughs, sore throats etc.

The projects main aims were to:

• Carry out creative consultation with members of the local community to identify current attitudes, perceptions and behaviour to managing common infections and taking antibiotics.
• Raise public and patient awareness of inappropriate anti-biotic use exploring common misconceptions.
• Raise public and patient knowledge and understanding of steps to self manage common infections.
• Result in a community focused educational resource/ event/ product that will effectively communicate appropriate messages in an innovative, accessible and engaging way.

The project engaged local people attending groups at Sure Start  Palfrey, Sure Start Alumwell and Pleck and Collingwood Community Association where artists Cultural Sisters used creative felt making workshops as an activity to get people talking about their experiences and views on antibiotic use, exploring common misconceptions.

The felt pieces were used to create ‘Aunty-biotics’ costume incorporating medical apron, doctor’s surgical bag and colourful headpiece and through drama workshops the character was developed and poetry pieces written based on people’s comments, anecdotes and health promotion messages. The 10 minute performance was toured to an audience of 600+ with more than 200 people being involved in the community consultation workshops.

The project was developed and delivered in partnership with Darlaston Local Neighbourhood Partnership, NHS Walsall, with links to Staffordshire Universities – Arts and Health Professional Development Programme.

The project has received continued funding to roll out the performances following the initial development and formed part of a commission that linked to Staffordshire Universities – Arts and Health Professional Development Programme.

“I had the pleasure of seeing the process from start to finish. From watching our moms gently roll the felt to the wonderful finished product…What a fantastic outcome, a beautiful piece of work, combined with really sensible suggestions for alternatives to medical interventions!”
Local Sure Start Worker

Alongside the touring performance poetry piece, information leaflets were designed and produced using images and messages from the project to be distributed in all local GP practices and medical centres.