Patient Information Leaflet - Meticillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Meticillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Introduction

This leaflet will provide you with information about MRSA  and how it will affect you and treatment information. If after reading the leaflet you have any further questions, please speak with one of the team.

MRSA  is a bacteria that may be harmlessly carried by many people on their skin and in their noses.  This is called colonisation or carriage.
It is carried more easily on skin that is broken, such as where there is a rash, a cut or a sore.


It can cause abscesses, boils, wound infections and blood stream infections, particularly in people who are already unwell.
It may have been on your skin when you came into hospital or you may have picked it up since your  admission.

If MRSA is found on patients in hospital, special care is taken as it can enter the body through drips, operations or complicated medical treatment which could cause an infection. It is also resistant to some antibiotics.

  • It spreads most commonly on hands and  equipment.  
  • Staff, patients and visitors need to always take care and ensure they wash their hands to  prevent it spreading.  Alcohol gel can be used if you have visibly clean hands.
  • Cleaning equipment can also help to reduce the spreading of MRSA.
  • MRSA is only found by careful examination of specimens by the Microbiology Department.  Patients do not always have symptoms.
  • Staff will take swabs from your body to see if the bacteria is just in one or two places or if it is widespread.  

Antibiotics are prescribed if you have an infection.
Your doctor may give you antiseptic to wash with and/or cream to put on your nose or any sores.


In some cases, you may be asked to move to a single room whilst you are receiving treatment to reduce infecting other patients.  If no single room is available, you may be transferred to another ward.


Swabs will be taken again after 1 week to check the bacteria is gone, although it can take several weeks to completely clear the bacteria from your skin.


If you are sent home, you will be informed if further treatment is needed.  

Visiting is allowed, however you will be asked to wear disposable aprons and wash your hands when you leave the room.


If relatives are assisting with care they will be required to wear gloves also.


Please speak to one of the team if you are unsure.

Staff will provide a laundry bag with water soluble strip designated for personal patient clothing. Clothing can then be taken home.  This bag then goes into the washing machine as normal.  Once the cycle is complete, remove the plastic bag and dispose of into normal household waste.

You will be discharged home once the doctor is satisfied with your progress.


Your GP or District Nurse will treat you only if the MRSA has caused an infection which will be on your discharge letter.


You can continue with your normal lifestyle. 


Your friends and family if healthy should not be at risk if basic hygiene is followed.  Ask the doctor or nurse about this if you are unsure.

Further information and advice is available from the infection prevention team.  Tel: 01782 676360