the unit

MRSA

There has been a great deal of publicity in recent years about infections acquired in UK hospitals, in particular MRSA. Many people, approximately 40% of the population carry an organism called Staphylococcus aureus usually found in their noses, throats or in folds of the skin. MRSA or Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus is simply a variant that has become resistant to some commonly used antibiotics.

Generally MRSA causes no problems but very occasionally if MRSA gets into a surgical wound or a break in the skin of someone who is not in the best of health, it can cause an active infection. Even in these situations, however, there are still antibiotics that we can use.

At the Wellington Hospital we have strict nursing and environmental cleaning procedures which reduce the risk of infection to very low levels. A significant factor is that we can offer single rooms with en suite facilities to almost all patients. We also have high nurse to patient staff ratios which ensures time for high quality care and hygiene. Our room cleaning procedures between discharge of one patient and admission of another are extremely thorough and carefully monitored.

All patients admitted to the Wellington Hospital, including day cases, are now screened for MRSA. If a patient is found to be a carrier careful precautions are put in place to prevent spread of infection. In certain circumstances a procedure may be deferred until treatment for MRSA has been administered.

You can find more in depth information about MRSA by visiting the Health Protection Agency website at www.hpa.org.uk. If you have any questions about MRSA and the policies of the Wellington Hospital please phone our Enquiry Helpline on 0207 483 5148, where staff will take your contact details and arrange for a member of the Infection Control Team to get in touch with you.