(c) MRSA Action UK June 2008, reviewed February 2009
If you are going into hospital or receiving any clinical care as an outpatient there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of getting an infection. Staff at your GP surgery and at the hospital will be happy to discuss any concerns you have about any aspect of your care, and if you are worried about infections they can discuss this with you. You may find it useful to write down a list of questions you wish to ask, we hope this page will help.
NHS Choices and Dr Foster Health gives information about infection rates and quality of care in hospital, there is also information available on the Health Protection Agency website. For
KEY FACTS AND FIGURES
Monthly statistics on MRSA bloodstream infections and Clostridium difficile by region and hospital trust are available here
Monthly statistics on MRSA bloodstream infections and Clostridium difficile by region and hospital trust are available here
Dr Foster health guides provide the most comprehensive information available online about
Some useful tips on questions to ask and things you can do
Ask your GP about screening for MRSA. This should be routinely done prior to your surgery. Nasal swabs and swabs from other parts of the body such as the groin, underarm and perineum should be routinely taken to ensure you are not colonised (carrying MRSA on the skin, in the nose or sputum). If you are colonised ointments and antiseptic washes will be given to ensure the colonisation is cleared up prior to any surgery.
All patients undergoing planned surgery will be screened for MRSA from 1 April 2009. Showering, bathing and shampooing your hair in antibacterial soaps is recommended five days prior to surgery, Chlorhexidine wash and Mupirocin may be prescribed by your doctor if you are found to be colonised with MRSA on your skin or in the nose. If you have questions about screening for MRSA click here for more information.
Do not shave the area where you are to have surgery, nicks and cuts can harbour bacteria, surgeons are now using clippers to avoid surgical site infection, you may want to check this by asking your surgeon
General hygiene
Before admission buy antibacterial wipes and washes from any high street pharmacy. Liquid soaps are more convenient, bars of soap should be kept for your use only, do not share with other patients
If on admittance the area around your bedside is dirty or dusty ask the ward sister to have it cleaned. Use antibacterial wipes to wipe surfaces such as bedside cabinets, table tops, mobile phone, telephone and any shared facilities before use. Follow the manufacturer's guidance and use one wipe once on one surface, do not attempt to do this if you have open wounds or skin lesions on your hands, seek help from the ward sister or nursing staff if your surrounding area needs cleaning
If bathrooms are dirty, ask that they are cleaned, do not attempt to do this yourself as this may put you at risk, staff expect to be asked with hospital cleanliness being high profile
Send back dirty plates and glasses to avoid the risk of tummy bugs
Hand hygiene
Politely ask staff to wash their hands before touching you if they have come from another patient, remind them to do it again before they move to the next patient
Ask the nursing staff about the five key moments of hand-hygiene, they can explain about why these are important, its a way of alerting them that you know what standard of care you should be receiving and that you are helping to remind them
Always wash your hands with soap and water after using the lavatory or commode, keep nails clipped and avoid wearing rings and jewellery, these can harbour bacteria. Apply hand gel after washing with soap and water
If you need help with washing your hands then ask the nursing staff or get your carer to talk to the staff about any assistance you may need
Ask your visitors to wash their hands before they come onto the ward and when they leave, ask them not to sit on the bed and that they follow the guidance on visiting times
If your visitors are unwell with a tummy upset ask them not to visit until they have been well for at least 48 hours after they have had any symptoms
Equipment
Ask if equipment is clean and sterilised before a procedure, particularly drips and catheters
Ensure nursing staff do not leave the same drips in place for longer than 3 days, ensure they are wearing gloves and following strict hygiene procedures when cleaning the skin and inserting. Do not tamper with drips or catheters. If there are any signs of redness or soreness at drip sites then tell the nursing staff
If you need a "central line" catheter, ask your doctor about the benefits of one that is antibiotic-impregnated or silver-chlorhexidine coated to reduce infections
Before your doctor uses a stethoscope, ask that the diaphragm (the flat surface) be wiped with alcohol. Stethoscopes are often contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus and other bacteria, and should be cleaned after each patient use
Personal items
Keep all towels, flannels, toothbrushes, razors etc separate for your own use, do not share personal items
Do not walk around in bare feet; ensure you wear something on your feet at all times. Dry between your toes after bathing
If you have laundry it should be bagged and sealed if taking home and washed separately at 65 degrees for at least 10 minutes. If using antibacterial detergent ensure it has been tested and proven to be effective against MRSA and C.diff and follow the manufacturers instructions
Your comfort and peace of mind
Your hospital or GP will probably advise you that:
- staying warm before surgery will lower the risk of postoperative complications (including surgical site infection)
- the hospital environment may be colder than your own home
- you should bring additional clothing, such as a dressing gown, a vest, warm clothing and
- slippers, to help them keep comfortably warm
- you should tell staff if you feel cold at any time during your hospital stay.
(Nice guideline CG65 1.1.1 Published April 2008)
Anti DVT socks can provide additional comfort and warmth, many hospitals provide these as standard, you can buy these from pharmacies
Speak to the staff or your GP for further guidance on the importance of being warm around the time of your operation
Do not put up with soreness or discomfort, or be afraid to speak up if you feel things aren't right, talk to the ward sister
Remember you know your own body and you know 'what normal looks like' so will friends or close family. If you have any questions about your treatment or care do not be afraid to ask
Other Useful Information:
Help The Aged offer advice on going into hospital, which includes information on benefits for patients and carers, click here for this external link
Useful information and resources for parents:
You and Your Child in Hospital by Margaret Carter. (
If you or someone you care about has been affected by a healthcare infection and you wish to discuss this with us, please contact us at info@mrsaactionuk.net
