MRSA pre-admission treatment

MRSA pre-admission treatment

About this leaflet
You will have been given this leaflet because you have been told the screening
swabs taken at your pre-admission clinic appointment show you have MRSA.

This leaflet will help to answer some of the questions you may have about what
is meant by this, what effect this will have on your planned operation date (if you
have one) and what will happen to you now.

If at any time you are unsure about what you need to do please ask the Pre-Admission Clinic Nurse to explain further.

MRSA – What is it?
‘MRSA’ Meticillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium which is
carried harmlessly by many people on their skin and in their nose without
causing an infection.

It can, however, cause abscesses, boils and wound infections, particularly in
people who are already unwell.

MRSA is resistant to certain commonly used antibiotics which means it may then
be more difficult to treat if it does cause an infection.

Why is it important?
Special care is taken with MRSA when it is found on patients coming into
hospital for operations such as joint implants or procedures involving grafts
because it can cause hard to treat infections in those particular groups of
patients.

For the majority of patients and hospital staff it poses NO threat to health.

How does MRSA spread?
MRSA can spread easily from one patient to another by the hands or clothes of
staff or patients and then passing to the next person they touch; it can also be
found in dust.

Careful handwashing by staff and patients and good housekeeping to control
dust is important and helps to prevent the bacteria spreading.

Will it affect me having my operation?
It is advisable for patients carrying MRSA to be treated to clear the MRSA before
their surgery. This will reduce the risk of a wound or joint infection from the
patient’s own bacteria. The decision to proceed or delay your operation will be
made by the Consultant in charge of your care.

Does carrying MRSA affect my daily life at home?
There is normally no need to take special precautions with activities at home,
MRSA will not harm your family or friends if they are healthy. If you are unsure,
please discuss your worries with the Pre-Admission Clinic Nurse

What happens next?
If you are found to be carrying MRSA you may be given treatment.

About your treatment
You will be given 2 items to use.

1. Octenisan Body Wash
2. Mupirocin Nasal Ointment

Octenisan Body Wash – Directions for administration
Wet skin. Apply about 30 ml of Octenisan® directly onto the skin using hands or
a disposable cloth use it as you would shower gel (refer to manufacturer’s
instructions) and wash body, leave in contact with skin for 3 minutes.

Wash hair with Octenisan® use as shampoo.

Use as a liquid soap and shampoo. Pay particular attention to the hairline, under
the arms, the navel, groins, in between the legs and in between the toes.

Leave in contact with the skin for 3 minutes

Rinse thoroughly and dry skin. Use a clean towel each day. Clean clothing and
bed sheets should be given.

The hair should be washed at least twice during the five-day course, at other
times other hair care products can be used.

Mupirocin Nasal Ointment – Directions for administration
Apply 3 times a day to the inside of the nostrils using a cotton bud or the little
finger.

Press the sides of the nose together spreading the ointment throughout the
nostrils

you require any further information, please seek advice from the Pre-Admission Clinic

If your symptoms or condition worsens, or if you are concerned about anything,
please call your GP, 111, or 999.

Patient Experience
We know that being admitted to hospital can be a difficult and unsettling time for you
and your loved ones. If you have any questions or concerns, please do speak with a
member of staff on the ward or in the relevant department who will do their best to
answer your questions and reassure you.

Feedback
Feedback is really important and useful to us – it can tell us where we are working well
and where improvements can be made. There are lots of ways you can share your
experience with us including completing our Friends and Family Test – cards are
available and can be posted on all wards, departments and clinics at our hospitals. We
value your comments and feedback and thank you for taking the time to share this with
us.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
If you have any concerns or questions about your care, we advise you to talk with the
nurse in charge or the department manager in the first instance as they are best
placed to answer any questions or resolve concerns quickly. If the relevant member of
staff is unable to help resolve your concern, you can contact the PALS Team. We offer
informal help, advice or support about any aspect of hospital services & experiences.

Our PALS team will liaise with the various departments in our hospitals on your behalf,
if you feel unable to do so, to resolve your problems and where appropriate refer to
outside help.

If you are still unhappy you can contact the Complaints Department, who can
investigate your concerns. You can make a complaint orally, electronically or in writing
and we can advise and guide you through the complaints procedure.

How to contact PALS:
Telephone Patient Services: 0300 123 1732 or via email at: wah-tr.PALS@nhs.net

Opening times:
The PALS telephone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.00pm. Please
be aware that you may need to leave a voicemail message, but we aim to return your
call within one working day.

If you are unable to understand this leaflet, please communicate with a member of
staff.

Version 5