MRSA

Patient Information leaflet

What is MRSA?

Staphylococcus aureus is a very common type of bacteria that many people carry on their skin without any problems or infections developing. Some strains of Staphylococcus aureus are resistant to antibiotics and these strains are referred to as Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

If you have a skin condition or a break in the skin, the bacteria can cause an infection or enter your blood stream. Both MRSA and Staphylococcus aureus can sometimes be carried by patients in hospital.

Where is MRSA found?

Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA can be found on many parts of the body, but it is usually found on the skin, in the nose and in the groin.

MRSA is not just found in hospitals. It can be found in care homes, clinics, at home and the community in general.

How does MRSA spread from person to person?

MRSA is spread mainly by touch, so washing hands is very important to reduce the spread of MRSA in hospitals.

What can I do to protect myself, my family, carers and visitors and help stop the spread of this infection?

• Wash your hands on arrival to the hospital ward, after visiting the toilet and before you eat.
• Do not touch your wounds, drips or catheters.
• Do not take dressings off your wounds to show visitors.
• Keep your bedspace tidy and free from clutter
• Report and dirty areas or spillages to the nurse in charge.
• Shower / bathe frequently.
• Do not share equipment with other people e.g. towels and clothes.
• Remind all staff caring for you to wash or gel their hands prior to delivering personal care.
• Remind your visitors to wash or gel their hands when visiting.
• Your visitors should not visit if they are unwell.

Are there any symptoms if I have MRSA?

MRSA often presents without any symptoms. When it does cause an infection, symptoms may include boils, abscesses or wound infections.

If nursed in a single room, when can I return to an open ward?

If you need continuing care in hospital you will need to have three consecutive negative screens at weekly intervals before you can return to the open ward and mix with other patients.

How can I find out more regarding MRSA?

If you are unsure about what has been said to you about MRSA, ask a member of staff to arrange for the infection prevention nurse to come and see you.

What happens when I go home?

If you are told that you are carrying MRSA, there should be no restrictions to your work and social life. At home you will not be a risk to your family, friends, older people, pregnant women, children, or babies.

The precautions taken whilst you were in hospital were aimed at preventing the spread of infection to other patients. When you are at home whether this your own home or a care home, these risks are reduced.

It is important that you maintain good personal hygiene. Handwashing is the most important measure you can take. MRSA can survive in the environment so you should keep your bedroom and areas where you spend most of your time as clean and dust-free as possible.

It is very important to understand that social contact with your family should continue as normal.

MRSA is not itself a reason for you to be kept in hospital.

If you are readmitted to hospital or see any doctors or nurses for treatment, please inform them that you have previously had MRSA.

If you have any questions, or if there is anything you do not understand, please contact the Russells Hall Hospital switchboard number on 01384 456111 and ask for the relevant department who issued this leaflet.

If you have any feedback on this patient information leaflet please email dgft.patient.information@nhs.net

This leaflet can be made available in large print, audio version and in other languages, please call 0800 073 0510.

Originator: The Infection Control Team. Date reviewed: November 2023. Next review due: August 2026. Version 6. DGH ref: DGH/PIL/00570