(c) MRSA Action UK June 2008
These days going into hospital can be an anxious time with all the stories of infections, but you can help to safeguard yourself or your loved ones by taking some simple steps to reduce the risk of getting an infection.
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.
Showering, bathing and shampooing your hair in antibacterial soaps is recommended five days prior to surgery, five days is the recommended length of time as antibacterial resistance can develop with over-use
Shore up your immune system with plenty of whole food, vitamin C, probiotics and zinc before you go into hospital
Before admission buy antibacterial wipes/soaps and washes from any high street pharmacy
Use antibacterial wipes to wipe surfaces such as bedside cabinets, table tops, telephone and any shared facilities. Follow the manufacturers guidance and use one wipe once on one surface
If on admittance the area around your bedside is dirty or dusty ask the ward sister to have it cleaned
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
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 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 follow the guidance on visiting times
If they 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
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
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
Do not put up with soreness or discomfort, or be afraid if you feel things aren't right, raise it with the ward sister
Remember you know your own body and you know 'what normal looks like' if you are visiting a friend or close family. If you have any questions about your treatment or care do not be afraid to ask
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
