MRSA in hospitals

It is important to stop MRSA from spreading to other patients in the hospital. All hospitals have infection prevention and control policies in place to achieve this.

The most important strategy in preventing the spread of MRSA is for all staff, visitors and patients to frequently clean their hands before and after touching other people. This can be done by washing hands often with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub.

If a patient is known to have MRSA, they will often be placed in a room by themselves, and staff may wear gloves and gowns while they are around them.

No. Having MRSA will not interfere with your required medical treatment or care. If you have an infection and require surgery, your doctor may choose to delay the surgery for a few days to allow time for your infection to be treated.

Having MRSA does not prevent you from being admitted to other healthcare facilities, such as a private hospital or a residential care facility or attending a GP or dentist.

Decolonisation treatment

Your doctor or nurse may talk to you about decolonisation. This is when topical treatments are used to try and get rid of the MRSA you are carrying.

The treatment involves the use of antiseptic body washes and a nasal ointment for 5 days.

After you have finished the treatment, swabs to test for MRSA will be taken to check if you are still carrying the germ.

Currently, there is no vaccination against S.aureus or MRSA.

When a patient is identified with MRSA, hospital staff will place a note on the hospital’s computer system. If that patient is readmitted to hospital at a later day, the system will alert staff to this, and they will ensure all appropriate measures are taken.

All WA public hospitals use and access the same computer system, so if an alert is placed on you for MRSA in one public hospital, all other public hospitals can see the alert as well.

Private hospitals have their own computer alert systems and information is not shared between private and public hospitals. If you are readmitted to the same private hospital they will know you have had MRSA in the past.

However, if you are admitted to a different private hospital or a hospital outside of WA you will need to let the staff know on arrival that you have had MRSA so the special precautions can be taken.

It is always a good idea to tell your doctor or nurse that you have had MRSA.

It is quite safe for your family and friends to visit you. Visitors should always wash their hands before entering your room and again when they leave. You, your family or visitors should not assist other patients with personal care.

Carrying MRSA on your skin will not affect other family members or friends, provided you have good hygiene practices. Hand hygiene is very important in stopping the spread of MRSA.

Always make sure any wounds are covered and don’t share personal items like towels, clothes or soap bars. MRSA can survive for long periods on surfaces such as table tops and chairs, so it is important to keep your environment clean.