Patient Information
MRSA
This leaflet has been written to provide information about MRSA (Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus). We hope it answers some of the questions or concerns you may have. It is not intended to replace talking with medical or nursing staff.
What is MRSA?
MRSA is a strain of the germ Staphylococcus aureus.
Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterial germ that can live harmlessly on the skin. It is commonly found in the nose or on the skin of about one third of the population without causing any problems. However, if the germ gets into a cut or a break in the skin it may cause an infection, which can usually be treated easily with common antibiotics.
MRSA is a particular strain of the Staphylococcus aureus germ that has become resistant to some antibiotics. Like ordinary Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA does not pose a risk to healthy people.
MRSA may cause an infection if it finds a way to get into the body such as through breaks in the skin, surgical wounds or through a drip site. MRSA is then more difficult to treat than other Staphylococcal infections due to its resistance to some antibiotics.
How can you get MRSA?
MRSA is often referred to as a ‘hospital superbug’. It has however become increasingly common in the general population and can be caught and passed on almost anywhere. People with MRSA can carry the germ without knowing it and without it affecting them. MRSA can be passed from person to person by direct touch so someone carrying the germ on their hands or skin can pass it on to another person. It is often not clear where or when MRSA is contacted.
How is it diagnosed?
People with MRSA do not look or feel any different. It is only found by taking swabs and growing the bacteria in a laboratory.
What happens if I am diagnosed with MRSA?
If you are carrying MRSA without it causing an infection (colonised) you may be prescribed a special body wash, a cream for your nose or other treatments to try to remove the germ. Staff at the hospital will speak with you and give you written instructions on how to use the treatment and inform you what happens next.
If you have an infection your doctor will discuss the appropriate treatment with you. Although MRSA is resistant to most common antibiotics there are several antibiotics available that are effective against this germ.
What does the Cardiothoracic Centre do to help prevent MRSA spreading?
We take very seriously any risk of infection among our patients. Staff and patients are regularly updated and advised about ways of reducing the spread of MRSA and other bacteria by the infection prevention and control team at the hospital.
Good hand washing by staff, patients and visitors is very important in stopping the spread of MRSA. Staff routinely wash their hands with a hygienic hand rub before caring for a patient.
High standards of hospital cleanliness are maintained by our domestic staff.
We have a screening programme to look for MRSA in specific patients groups, such as patients in intensive care or patients coming in for heart surgery.
Patients who are found to be carrying MRSA without it causing an infection are treated using a special body wash, nasal cream or other treatments. This reduces the chances of the patient becoming infected or spreading the germ to other patients.
Patients who are in hospital when they are diagnosed with MRSA are usually nursed in a single room. Staff entering the room will wear gloves and aprons and dispose of them when leaving. This is to prevent passing MRSA to other patients on the ward. MRSA will not harm healthy relatives or visitors so they do not need to wear gloves or an apron but they should wash their hands before leaving.
What can I do to help prevent MRSA spreading?
As MRSA is mainly spread on hands, hand hygiene is the most effective way to stop it spreading.
You should always wash your hands:
· After using the toilet
· Before eating or preparing food
· When your hands appear dirty
· Before and after caring for a wound
You may notice bottles of hygienic hand rub on the wall by the entrance of the wards or other departments in the hospital. These are for patients, relatives and staff to use before entering. A bottle of the hand rub is also attached to each patient’s bed.
If you have any concerns or require further information call
Infection prevention and control team on
Ext 2326
Or visit;
If you require a copy of this leaflet in any other language or format please contact us quoting the leaflet code and the language or format you require.
NBJC19/PALS
Publication date May 06
Review May 08