M - Methicillin (the name of the antibiotic)
R - Resistant (antibiotic does not work)
S - Staphylococcus
A - aureus
What is MRSA?
Staphylococcus aureus is a germ that lives on the skin and mucous membranes of healthy people. Occasionally, S. aureus can cause an infection. When S. aureus develops resistance to certain antibiotics, it is called Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, also referred to as MRSA.
How can I control the spread of MRSA?
Hand hygiene is the best way to prevent the spread of MRSA. Alcohol-based hand rub is the preferred method for decontaminating hands in health care settings. It should be used before entering and upon leaving a patient’s room.
To stop the possible spread of this bacterium, staff wear gowns and gloves when providing care or when in direct contact with any patient that has been identified as having MRSA. The patient can attend hospital activities and should wash their hands before leaving their room. This organism is only spread by direct contact. No precautions are required for visitors other than frequent hand washing. We do ask that visitors refrain from sitting on the patient's bed. Children may visit at any time.
Can patients have visitors?
Yes. Patients who have MRSA are encouraged to continue seeing their visitors. All visitors must perform hand hygiene before entering and upon leaving the patient’s room. Visitors are obliged to wear gloves and a disposable gown when assisting with or providing personal care to the patient.
What about at home?
MRSA should not prevent patients from going home. In most cases, special precautions are not required when an MRSA carrier is discharged home because those assisting with the patient at home are not caring for other patients during the same period. If staff from a home care agency visit the home of an MRSA carrier, they should take similar precautions to those used in the hospital, as they are taking care of several clients during the same time period.
What is the rate and count of MRSA at Bridgepoint?
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