MRSA

POLICY ON METHICILLIN RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS (MRSA)

• To outline the precautions and rules for dealing with service users who have MRSA.
• To outline the philosophy of dealing with service users who have MRSA to prevent discrimination and promote equal treatment.

Discrimination

• Temporary workers must never discriminate against service users who have MRSA.

Prohibited

• Temporary workers must never agree to work with service users who are MRSA-­ positive if they suffer from any of the following skin conditions: psoriasis, eczema or other exfoliating skin conditions. Where Temporary workers suffer from any other skin condition which they think may affect the service user negatively, then they should advise their immediate manager without delay.

Equal Treatment

• Temporary workers should treat service users with MRSA equally, without prejudice, sensitively, positively and politely.

Protective Clothing

• Temporary workers must use disposable protective clothing and also protect their eyes and nose and mouth areas and skin areas.

Hand Washing Procedures

• All  Temporary  workers  are  required  to  follow  hand-hygiene  procedures.  This includes ensuring that their hands are washed before fitting on protective gloves or making contact with other protective clothing. Towels used for drying hands after contact should be used only once.

Open Wounds

• Temporary workers must ensure that water resistant plasters or other impermeable dressings are used when Temporary workers have a wound, cut or graze. Linens should be changed and washed on a regular basis. Temporary workers should also see that bedside equipment and frequently touched surfaces are cleaned daily.

Laundry & Cleaning

Knowledge of MSRA

• Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aurous (MRSA) is a type of bacteria usually found in/on the skin and nasal passages of most people but it only affects about 25-­‐30%.
• All staff should be aware of the causes, systems and update their knowledge of
• It is resistant to certain antibiotics like methicillin, oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin and there-­‐ fore occurs most frequently among persons who have weakened immune
• Home care is safe enough to manage persons suffering from MRSA. However, it is important that those caring for the person exercise proper infection control practices as stated
• Healthy people generally have a low risk of getting
• Visitors should wash their hands before entering and leaving an infected person’s
• Never wear your uniform to and from an assignment.