infection control MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus) Information for patients
What is MRSA and why is it a problem in the hospital? Many of us carry bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus in our noses and on our skin and do not know it is there. It does not make us ill and is unlikely to harm healthy people (including babies and children) outside the hospital. MRSA is a strain of bacteria which has become resistant to the antibiotic Methicillin (similar to penicillin). These bacteria may get into a wound after an operation, or affect an ill patient who is unable to fight infection. When we find patients who have this bacteria they are cared for in single rooms or in bays, where all the patients have the same bacteria (which staff call cohort care). Where is the MRSA found? It is commonly found in the nose, groin and also in wounds. How do you know I have MRSA? When you come into the hospital as an emergency, a nurse will take a swab from your nose, any wounds and groin and a sample of urine if you have a urinary catheter. Your doctor will tell you if you have MRSA. All patients coming into hospital will be swabbed for MRSA. If you have a planned admission, perhaps for a surgical procedure, a nurse will take a swab from your nose, wounds and groins and a sample of urine if you have a urinary catheter. This will be done at the pre assessment clinic or the Outpatient Department (OPD) appointment. How did I get the MRSA? It is usually passed on by human contact - you may have had it on your skin before entering hospital. It is most commonly spread by hands which have come into contact with MRSA and not been properly washed before touching someone else. It can also be spread by contact with dirty equipment or dust.
How will MRSA affect me? You may not notice any physical difference at all as it may only be present on your skin. In some people it can cause an infection or it may delay the healing of a wound. Your treatment and recovery will continue as planned. How long will I be in a side room? We cannot give you a definite answer as it varies with different people. You will only be in a single room as long as it is absolutely necessary. You will be able to go to other departments for any tests or investigations you may need as part of your treatment. Why do hospital staff wear gloves and aprons? When doctors, nurses or other hospital staff come into your room they will be wearing gloves and aprons. This is to prevent them from spreading the MRSA to other patients on the ward. Staff will take off their apron and gloves, dispose of them and then wash their hands before leaving the room. How is MRSA treated? You will be given the following treatments for five days to remove the unwanted bacteria from your body. You will be re-screened again on the eighth day to see if the MRSA bacteria have been removed. If so, you can come out of a side room into a bay. Treatment Bactroban nasal cream 3 times daily to inside of nose Hibiscrub body wash once daily Hibiscrub hair wash twice on day 1 and day 4 Corsodyl mouthwash 3 times a day Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü 2 days free of treatment Re-swab if requested
Are my visitors at risk of infection from MRSA? No, MRSA does not normally affect healthy people. Your visitors should not sit on the bed. They must have any cuts or wounds covered up and thoroughly wash and dry their hands before leaving the room. They must wear gloves and apron when entering the room of MRSA patients and remove them before leaving the room. They must then wash their hands and use the alcohol hand gel. It is quite safe for pregnant women to visit. If your visitors are visiting anyone else in the hospital they should visit them first before visiting you if you are affected by MRSA. Can MRSA come back? Yes it can. If this occurs you will be moved back into a side room and treatment will start again. What happens if I go into a hospital again in the future? You should tell the staff that you have had MRSA. This is to make sure you are given appropriate antibiotics. You may be nursed in a side room initially and screened for MRSA. If the MRSA is no longer present we will be moved into a bay with other patients. Will it delay me going home? No, it should not. If you are well enough to go home, having MRSA should not delay when you go home. Your GP or district nurse will continue your treatment and occasionally may take follow-up swabs if you are sent home whilst still on treatment. When you go home There are no restrictions on what you can do or where you can go once you are at home. There are no precautions to take when eating, washing or laundering clothes.
If you are visiting someone else in hospital you must wash your hands before and after visiting. You must avoid physical contact with the patient where possible. MRSA poses a particular risk to people with wounds, intravenous catheters and urinary catheters so avoid contact with patients undergoing these forms of treatment. There are specific guidelines for nursing homes and residential homes on the care of people with MRSA. If you would like more information or have specific questions, please ask your nurse or doctor or the Infection Control Team and we will arrange a visit to the ward. If you are at home please phone the Infection Control Team on 01962 825170. An answer machine will take the call if we are out of the office and we will reply once we are back.
Authored by Sue Dailly and Karen Davis-Blues, infection control Reference 0310 April 2010, review April 2012 archive/patient information/ MRSA patient info leaflet.indd Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust 2010 PB00067 Patient Information Steering Group approved