The British Medical Association has praised the Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust for its groundbreaking use of antibiotics in the fight against infection.

According to the BMA, the trust's decision to develop clear and simple prescribing guidelines for its staff is an excellent way of preventing increased resistance in bacteria.

The guidelines ensure that antibiotics are only given to patients in the correct circumstances.

The Southampton trust has also created a pocket booklet on antibiotics which has been issued to all prescribers.

Martin Stephens, associate medical director of clinical effectiveness and medicines at the trust, said: "Our microbiology doctors and pharmacists have worked extremely hard on developing this policy to further enhance the fight against infection and we are delighted to have received national credit."

Meanwhile, the West Midlands NHS Trust has created a contingency plan to ensure that it can still function if staff at its hospitals are struck down by swine flu.