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Information for patients
What is MRSA?
MRSA stands for Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It is a bacteria (or bug) that lives on human skin, or in nasal passages or the mouth.
Why is it important?
These bugs do not normally affect healthy people, but if you have a cut or abrasion, they can cause infection. Because the bugs are resistant to some antibiotics, MRSA infections are slightly harder to treat than other infections.
What are we doing to prevent MRSA infection?
Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust tests any patients who might be at increased risk from this MRSA bug, as set out in Department of Health guidance. We do this to reduce the risk of you developing an MRSA infection following your surgery, and to protect the bug from spreading to other patients. We will take a swab from your nose and any wounds that you might have to see if we can detect the presence of MRSA bacteria. This is only identified in a laboratory, so it is quite normal for a person to be unaware of its presence on their skin.
When will you find out the result?
Your swab will be sent to a laboratory to test for the presence of MRSA bacteria. This process usually takes a few days. If the result is negative, you will not hear from the staff on the ward as no further preparation needs to be undertaken before your procedure. If the swab result finds MRSA present, don’t worry – our staff will contact you and let you know what to do.
What if I have MRSA?
Try not to worry as having MRSA should not interfere with your normal lifestyle. Our staff will give you information on how you can help to reduce any risks of infection with a body wash and ointment treatment, taken for five days prior to your procedure. You might be asked to come back to the hospital to pick up this medicine or your GP might be contacted and asked to prescribe it for you.
Will this affect my eye surgery?
No, you will be treated as planned. Your consultant will be informed of your MRSA result and any precautionary measures.
For further information about MRSA screening at Moorfields please contact the infection control team on 020 7253 3411 ext 2539 and to obtain the latest version of our MRSA screening policy, please click here.
