Scores of headlines and TV news items have appeared in the media over recent months regarding the rise of MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) across the country. Ealing Hospital takes MRSA and the spread of infection very seriously and we are increasing our efforts to combat infection within the Trust.
What is MRSA?
MRSA is a drug-resistant type of a very common bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus is a normal skin bacteria and at any one time around a third of us have Staphylococcus aureus on our skin without any ill effects.
Staphylococcus aureus can however cause conditions such as skin infections (boils), pneumonia (a respiratory disease) or spread to the bloodstream. This is uncommon in healthy people but patients in hospital have an increased risk of developing this infection because they are unwell and may have surgical wounds, intravenous lines etc.
Some types of Staphylococcus aureus have become resistant to antibiotics and the most common strain is known as Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA.
MRSA is found in almost every country in the world and infection rates have increased substantially in the past 10 years. MRSA is most commonly found in patients in hospital but increasing numbers of cases are seen in patients from the community.
This means that we cannot get rid of MRSA overnight, but there is much that can be done to reduce the risk of picking it up in hospital.
How is MRSA spread?
MRSA is spread by contact with another person who has MRSA or with a surface contaminated by MRSA. Most people who pick up MRSA will only carry it on their skin for a short period of time and will never suffer any ill effects.
The most effective way to prevent the spread of MRSA is by good cleaning and hygiene - particularly by both staff and patients washing their hands regularly.
Could I catch it at Ealing Hospital?
MRSA is present at Ealing Hospital as it is in all hospitals, but the risks of catching MRSA are still very small. Recent figures show the number of serious blood infections at Ealing Hospital with MRSA last year reduced by 5.3% to 36 cases. More than 285,000 patients visited the hospital over the same period, therefore the chances of picking up the infection are still minimal.
We also know that the number of patients who picked up the infection at the hospital has significantly dropped as in half of the 36 cases the patient was already infected with MRSA when they came into the hospital.
What is the Hospital doing to combat MRSA?
Ealing Health Trust is committed to reducing the spread of the hospital-acquired infection MRSA. The hospital has an infection control team and has appointed medical director Dr William Lynn as the Director of Infection Prevention and Control. Working in partnership with the Infection Control team, led by microbiologist Dr Ferial Ahmad, Dr Lynn will co-ordinate efforts at reducing infection by focussing on hand hygiene, ward cleanliness, better detection and tracking of hospital-acquired infections, improved use of antibiotics and staff and patient education.
An action plan to improve the hygiene and cleanliness standards of the hospital has been developed and a concierge is currently being piloted in the main reception to keep the area neat and tidy. All public toilets will be upgraded in the future and patient toilets are also being refurbished to improve patient comfort and hygiene with more than half of all facilities already upgraded.
The single most important action that patients and staff can take to reduce MRSA is regular hand washing or decontamination with alcohol-based hand rub.
The Trust has recently signed up to the National Patient Safety Agency 'cleanyourhands' campaign. There will be an increase in posters, staff training, patient education and most importantly alcohol hand rub will be placed by each bed within the next three months.
What can patients do to help?
If you are worried about MRSA when coming into hospital please discuss it with the medical or nursing staff who can give you simple advice and guidance. When in the hospital please try to wash your hands when going to the toilet as this helps to stop the spread of infection.
If you are unhappy with anything you see on the wards such as hygiene and cleanliness problems, or vents not being cleaned - tell the ward nurses. They probably won't deal with this themselves, as their time is devoted to looking after patients, but they will want to contact the appropriate department in the hospital to deal with it.
Where can I get more information about MRSA?
The Health Protection Agency Website offers advice and information on MRSA as well as the latest National figures.
The NHS Direct Website also has extensive patient information about MRSA.
The National Patient Safety Agency website has information about the 'cleanyourhands' campaign'
