Action to beat killer bug at Ayrshire hospitals

Aug 29 2008

EVERY patient will be screened for MRSA if they’re scheduled for a stay in either Ayr or Crosshouse hospitals.

Routine testing will begin on Monday and it’s hoped that it will halt the spread of the killer infection across Ayrshire.

The move is part of a £5.2 million year-long pilot programme taking place in three Scottish health boards.

Evidence has shown that seven out of every 100 hospital patients may carry the infection.

Health chief Dr Bob Masterton said: “Preventing the spread of MRSA is a high priority for us.

“To this end our specialist infection control team already has a range of measures in place to protect patients and educate both staff and hospital visitors.

“However, this important pilot will test a new attack on MRSA that aims to help us to fight the germ by identifying people coming into the hospital with MRSA, taking earlier action and so improving our control measures around all admissions.

“We are delighted to be involved in this trial on behalf of NHS Scotland."

He added: “Staphylococcus aureus is a common germ that around one in three people have in their nose or on their skin, and MRSA is just a variant of this that is resistant to particular antibiotics.

“Normally neither sort does us any harm – but they can cause infections in people who are already unwell.

“Because MRSA is resistant to some commonly used antibiotics it is harder to manage – but it can be treated.”

Screening can identify carriers before the germ goes on to cause infection and before it spreads to other patients.

It will take place when patients attend for a pre-operative assessment.

Dr Masterton explained: “The test itself is simple and painless. A healthcare professional will use a cotton bud to take a swab from the patient’s nose. The whole process takes just a few seconds.

“If a patient is carrying the MRSA germ, we will discuss with them how best to manage the situation and if necessary would care for them separately from other patients. We will also ask their visitors to take special note of hand hygiene tips to prevent germs spreading. The patient’s doctor or nurse will discuss the most appropriate treatment with them.”

He added: “Screening is not compulsory but we hope patients will take part in this important initiative in the fight against infection.”