Download So, I`ve tested positive for MRSA - Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust

University Teaching Trust
“So, I’ve tested
positive for MRSA.
I’ve got some
questions......”
What is
MRSA?
MRSA is a type of bacteria (germ) which is
found on the skin and in the noses of many
people. It stands for Meticillin Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus. It is a type of bacteria
that has become resistant to a number of
antibiotics including meticillin. This makes
treatment for an MRSA infection more difficult,
but there are antibiotics available.
© G15050802W. Design Services, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, All Rights Reserved 2015.
Document for issue as handout. Unique Identifier: TE 15 (15). Review date: June 2017.
I have been told I
carry MRSA, what
does this mean?
Can I still have
visitors?
If you are carrying MRSA on your skin or in your nose it may not
cause any problem to you or other healthy people. We all carry
thousands of germs which usually don’t cause us any problems.
However, when in hospital if a patient has wounds, drips or drains
there may be a risk that MRSA will cause an infection.
Yes. MRSA is not a risk to your family or friends
if they are healthy. Your visitors must follow the
rules of visiting, particularly hand washing when
entering and leaving and not sitting on your bed
or chair. Visitors chairs are available on the ward.
What about
when I go home?
What will happen
now I have tested
positive?
What if I have an
MRSA infection?
Your doctor or nurse will discuss
treatment with you. This usually involves
using an antibacterial treatment in your
nose and on your skin. You may be cared
for in a single room or in a designated
area of the ward/unit. Staff will wear
gloves and aprons and pay particular
attention to hand washing. This is to
reduce the risk of spreading MRSA to
other patients.
What happens if
I need to go into
hospital again?
You should inform staff of your previous MRSA. You will swabbed on
admission and may be asked to use further treatment to reduce the
risk of an MRSA infection.
MRSA can sometimes cause infections. If
this happens you will be given appropriate
antibiotics to treat your infection.
© G15050802W. Design Services, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust,
All Rights Reserved 2015. Document for issue as handout.
Unique Identifier: TE 15 (15). Review date: June 2017.
Tackling Infections:
Put yourself in
the picture
MRSA is not usually a risk to your
family or friends, including children
or those who are pregnant. If a
community nurse visits at home,
further treatment may be given to try
to clear the MRSA. Your G.P will be
informed of your MRSA status and
you should contact him/her if you
have any questions or concerns.
4
© G15050802. Design Services
Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust
All Rights Reserved 2015
This document MUST NOT be photocopied
University Teaching Trust
Information Leaflet Control Policy:
Unique Identifier: TE 15 (15)
Review Date: June 2017
This is a STOCK ITEM.
STOCK CODE: WZA 451 G15050802.
For further information on this leaflet, it’s references and sources
used, please contact 0161 206 5036.
If you need this interpreting please telephone
Copies of this information are
available in other languages
and formats upon request.
In accordance with the
Equality Act we will make
‘reasonable adjustments’
to enable individuals with
disabilities, to access this
treatment / service.
Email: [email protected]
Under the Human Tissue Act 2004, consent will not be required
from living patients from whom tissue has been taken for
diagnosis or testing to use any left over tissue for the following
purposes: clinical audit, education or training relating to human
health, performance assessment, public health monitoring and
quality assurance.
If you object to your tissue being used for any of the above
purposes, please inform a member of staff immediately.
Salford Royal
operates a
smoke-free policy.
For advice on stopping
smoking contact
the Hospital Specialist
Stop Smoking Service
on 0161 206 1779
Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust
Stott Lane, Salford,
Manchester,
M6 8HD
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Member please visit:
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as to how this document
could be improved in the
future then please visit:
Telephone 0161 789 7373
www.srft.nhs.uk/
for-members
http://www.srft.nhs.uk/
for-patients
www.srft.nhs.uk