Work in Calderdale which is helping to transform antibiotic prescribing for respiratory infections has been recognised by the Primary Care Respiratory Society (PCRS).
A poster, summarising how a single-use rapid point of care test is being used in Calderdale’s acute respiratory infection (ARI) hubs along with patient feedback, won the ‘Most Patient Centred’ poster category at the network’s annual conference in September 2025.
Feedback from the PCRS patient reference group involved in the judging process said:
“This poster was beautifully laid out and easy to read, not just in terms of the clear aims, methods and results but also because of the very accessible use of plain language. The thing that really set this poster apart from the others was that it really emphasised the patient voice, using survey results and direct quotes from patients to convey how they really felt about the test, including from those that weren’t entirely impressed!”
The winning poster by NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board in Calderdale, Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber and Pennine GP Alliance describes how the finger pin-prick blood test determines if a patient has a viral or bacterial infection within 10 minutes, and the experience of care received by patients.
A rapid point of care test supports clinical decision making, is reducing re-consultation rates and A&E attendances as well as unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions – one of the main causes of antimicrobial resistance.
Dr David Linden, Respiratory and CVD Workstream Lead at Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber, said:
“It was a pleasure for Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber to support this important work coming out of Calderdale, which showcased the growing acceptance of point-of-care testing in ensuring the right medication is prescribed. This initiative also contributes to the national effort to understand how these tests can help tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR).”
This is not the first-time Calderdale’s rapid point of care testing for respiratory infections has been recognised on a national level. The work was showcased at the UK Health Security Agency Conference 2025 and also shortlisted for ‘Medicine, Pharmacy and Prescribing Initiative of the Year’ at the 2024 HSJ Awards. NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board and Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber are now working on a larger rapid point of care testing study across the region.
The role of Pennine GP Alliance
Pennine GP Alliance (PGPA) oversee the delivery of the point of care testing (POCT) project across Calderdale, implementing it in PGPA-run Calderdale ARI hubs, GP practices and some community teams. The test is now actively used both in services directly delivered by PGPA and more widely across primary care in Calderdale. PGPA also play a key role in collecting data and carrying out ongoing evaluations to ensure the service continues to improve patient care and contribute to the evidence base for POCT.
Will Menzies, Chief Executive of PGPA, said:
“We’re proud to be leading the implementation of this innovative testing across Calderdale. It’s improving patient outcomes, reducing unnecessary prescribing, and supporting local practices to deliver safer, more sustainable care. This recognition is a testament to the collaborative effort across partners, clinicians and patients.”
Dr. Fawad Azam, PGPA Board Member, Clinical Director for Calder and Ryburn Primary Care Network and a key clinician involved in the ARI hub initiative, added:
“Point of care testing has been a real game-changer in how we manage respiratory infections. For patients, it means a faster and clearer understanding of whether antibiotics are appropriate. For clinicians, it’s an invaluable tool that supports confident decision making while helping us tackle the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance.”
Read more about point of care testing for respiratory infections on the Pennine GP Alliance website here.
The winning poster titled ‘Evaluating a rapid viral vs bacterial point of care test (CRP + MxA) to support diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic prescribing in Calderdale, West Yorkshire ICB’ is available to view through this link to the Primary Care Respiratory Society website here: View the Winning Poster.
All of us have the power and opportunity to make a difference to the future of antibiotics. This can come from small changes we make in how we use antibiotics, understanding the issue of antibiotic resistance and what it might mean, and supporting the Seriously movement in West Yorkshire by sharing the message with family and friends. Find out how by visiting seriouslyresistant.com.