More hospital admissions linked to antibiotic resistance were recorded at Royal Bolton Hospital last year, figures reveal. Researchers warn drug-resistant, or antimicrobial resistance (AMR) infections could pose a greater public health risk than Covid-19 unless urgent action is taken to tackle their rise. NHS data shows there were around 210 admission episodes with a diagnosis of AMR in Bolton last year - up from 200 recorded during the previous year. AMR happens when germs build up resistance to treatments – such as bacteria to antibiotics – meaning the medicines can no longer fight infections they were developed to treat. It has led to the emergence of so-called superbugs such as MRSA, which are resistant to various types of antibiotic. It can also hinder cancer treatments as patients become more vulnerable to infection.