| s MRSA? | | | | precaution. |
| MRSA is short for Methicillin Resistant | | | | Can the spread of MRSA be minimised? |
| Staphylococcus Aureus. Staphylococcus Aureus is | | | | Healthy people are at very little risk of catching |
| a common bacteria found on the skin of many | | | | MRSA but they shouldwash and dry their hands |
| people. MRSA is a type of Staphylococcus Aureus | | | | thoroughly on leaving the ward and use alcohol gel |
| that has become resistant to many of the | | | | readily available throughout the hospital. Visitors will |
| commonly used antibiotics. MRSA does not always | | | | be asked to wear disposable gloves and aprons |
| cause infection and can be washed from skin. If it | | | | only if participating in the nursing care of patients |
| is found in the nose it can be treated with a | | | | with MRSA, or if they have close contact with |
| special ointment. | | | | more than one patient. Patients with MRSA can |
| How does it affect people? | | | | help limit the spread of MRSA by remaining in |
| It does not normally affect healthy people, but it | | | | their rooms/by their bed area as much as |
| may delay the healing process, particularly in sick | | | | possible. |
| patients. | | | | Can visitors infect other people? |
| How do people catch MRSA? | | | | Not if they follow the advice given in this leaflet. |
| MRSA lives on dead skin particles, dust, and is | | | | Although MRSA is unlikely to harm children and |
| found in the environment from time to time. It will | | | | pregnant women, it is sensible to restrict visits |
| do little or no harm unless it invades the body. | | | | from those who may be vulnerable to any |
| The spread of MRSA is usually by human contact, | | | | infections, such as the elderly, newborn babies or |
| mainly by touch (via the hands). This can be | | | | those recovering from illness. Visitors should wash |
| limited by thorough hand washing and general | | | | their hands thoroughly on leaving (this is of |
| cleanliness. | | | | particular importance if you are going to visit any |
| Can it be treated? | | | | other patients). Visitors who are asked to wear |
| Yes, by taking the prescribed ointments and | | | | disposable gloves and aprons should dispose of |
| washes. Occasionally, antibiotics may be | | | | them using a yellow clinical waste bag. |
| prescribed when there is infection or risk of | | | | Will it delay my discharge? |
| infection. | | | | Not usually. MRSA does not generally cause |
| Can MRSA return after treatment? | | | | concern outside the hospital environment. |
| A person is said to be clear of MRSA when | | | | Sometimes the ointments and washes prescribed |
| repeated check swabs are negative. However, | | | | in hospital may be continued at home. You will be |
| MRSA can return. If you have previously had | | | | advised on discharge as to any precautions to be |
| MRSA it is advisable to inform nursing or medical | | | | taken. |
| staff at pre-admission and on admission to | | | | What about washing clothes? |
| hospital. | | | | You can wear your own clothes, which should be |
| Do patients with MRSA have to be isolated? | | | | changed and washed daily. Your family or visitors |
| Patients who are known to have MRSA will be | | | | should take home your worn clothes and night |
| nursed in a side room. Patients who are awaiting | | | | attire. A hot wash is sufficient for the clothes of |
| swab results will be nursed in a side room as a | | | | anyone with MRSA, whether in or out of hospital. |