In this episode of The PJ Pod, senior features editor Siobhan Chan examines how the issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is being communicated outside of traditional clinical and policy settings. 

The episode talks about Lifeline, a musical that brings together the history of antibiotics and the modern realities of drug-resistant infections.

We speak to two practising pharmacists who perform in the chorus of Lifeline: Marsha Boltova, an emergency department pharmacist at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust; and Shay Khan, a specialist infection pharmacist and advanced clinical practitioner. They describe how their day-to-day work places them at the forefront of antimicrobial stewardship, from influencing initial antibiotic prescribing in A&E to managing complex infections with limited treatment options.

Also, playwright Becky Hope-Palmer explains how the musical demonstrates that AMR remains an urgent global challenge.

The episode also explores the wider context of AMR in England. Diane Ashiru-Oredope, lead pharmacist for AMR at the UK Health Security Agency, outlines the current state of AMR, using the latest surveillance data. She discusses why — despite some progress in reducing antibiotic use — resistance remains a significant and growing threat.

This episode was produced by Geoff Marsh.