MRSA guide

What is MRSA?

MRSA stands for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. Staphylococcus aureus are bacteria that can live harmlessly on the skin and in the nose.

These bacteria can develop resistance to methicillin (a group of antibiotics) and usually to some of the other antibiotics that are normally used to treat Staphylococcus aureus infections.

Although it can be resistant to some antibiotics there are still many antibiotics available that can treat MRSA infection.

How did I get MRSA?

Generally, MRSA will live harmlessly in the nose or on the skin, and this is called colonisation. Occasionally MRSA can cause infection if the bacteria enter the bloodstream or wound. MRSA is only identified by a laboratory test.

How can the spread of MRSA be prevented?

The best way of reducing the risk of spreading MRSA between people is by hand washing or using the hand gels available.

To minimise the risk of transmission to other patients’ staff are required to wear aprons and gloves when caring for someone with MRSA.

What treatment will I get?

If you are well and have no symptoms, you may not need any treatment. However, if you are in a hospital, you may be given treatment to help clear the MRSA, such as a special nasal ointment and a daily body wash, with a special liquid antiseptic soap. If you have an infection, you will be given treatment against MRSA.

What happens once the treatment is finished?

After finishing your treatment, you will not require any further tests, unless you are going to a general hospital.

Are there any risks to my visitors or family?

MRSA is not a risk to healthy people including children and pregnant women. Your visitors should always wash their hands before and after visiting.

Can I send my personal clothes home to be washed?

Patients’ laundry can be taken home and washed at the highest temperature recommended on the care label. The person handling your laundry should wash and dry their hands thoroughly.

What happens when I am discharged home?

There is no reason why you cannot go home with MRSA. Your GP, district nurse, or if you are going to a nursing home, the person in charge will have been informed that you have MRSA. If you are being discharged into a shared setting there is no requirement for you to isolate away from other service users.

What is Mersey Care doing to prevent and control MRSA?

We work hard to prevent and control all infections, this includes:

• Training staff
• Having procedures for staff to follow
• Ensuring the hospital/clinics are cleaned to a high standard
• Regular audits/spot checks to monitor cleaning standards
• We monitor the prescribing of antibiotics to ensure they are prescribed appropriately and only used when required.

What can I do to help?

You and your visitors play an important part in helping to prevent the spread of infection.

Please ensure you and your visitors:

• Wash or gel your hands when entering and leaving the ward
• Follow any infection control signs in ward areas and do not wander into any other rooms
• Wear any protective clothing, such as aprons, if advised by the nursing staff
• Use the chairs available and not sit on your bed.

Further information

You can also visit the following websites, which discuss antibiotics and the importance of using them responsibly:

• Patient Info
• Antibiotic Guardian.

Our patients matter

Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust listens and responds to patients and their carers to help improve the services we deliver.

If you have any comments, compliments or concerns you can speak with a member of staff or contact our Patient Advice and LiaisonService (PALS) and Complaints Team.

Telephone: 0151 471 2377 Freephone: 0800 328 2941 Email: palsandcomplaints@merseycare.nhs.uk