Interesting facts * Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is a bacteria that has become resistant to most commonly used antibiotics * You cannot tell by looking at someone that they have MRSA * MRSA does not affect healthy people * Many peopl
Interesting facts
* Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is a bacteria that has become resistant to most commonly used antibiotics
* You cannot tell by looking at someone that they have MRSA
* MRSA does not affect healthy people
* Many people carry MRSA but are not harmed by the bacteria
* You can potentially acquire MRSA from anywhere but it is more common in hospitals because sick people are more vulnerable to infection
What the Trust is doing to combat MRSA
* The Trust has launched its own Clean Hands campaign as well as joining the national campaign
* Staff have 24-hour access to infection control advice
* Patients from nursing homes, those who are transferred from other hospitals and those who have had MRSA previously are tested
* Positive MRSA blood cultures are reported to the Health Protection Agency
* Good dust control is carried out in the hospital
* A new cleaning contract has been implemented based on the specifications in the NHS standards of cleanliness document
* Monthly spot checks are now carried out by Patient Environ-ment Action Group
* Ward housekeepers have been introduced to help ensure the smooth running of a ward, including overseeing cleaning
What you can do
* Only accept antibiotics as a last resort to prevent germs developing a resistance to them
* Ask hospital staff if they have washed their hands
* Wash your hands before and after visiting a patient
* Visitors should not come to hospital if they know they have a cold or infection
* Avoid bringing small children into hospital. If you must, make sure they are not transferring germs by lying on floors or climbing over beds
* Stay healthy - don't smoke, drink and eat in moderation and take plenty of exercise to avoid infections and ill health generally
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