MRSA (sometimes referred to as the ‘superbug’) stands for Meticillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. MRSA is resistant to some of the antibiotics that are commonly used to treat infection, including Methicillin (a type of penicillin).
Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is a strain of bacteria that lives harmlessly on skin and in the lining of the mouth and nose (mucosa) of about one third of healthy people. It can, however, cause infection once it enters the body through a cut or abrasion.
Since 2006, UCLH has been undertaking a major drive against MRSA, within a Trust-wide initiative to eradicate hospital-acquired infection. This forms part of the Department of Health’s Saving Lives programme. This includes a comprehensive screening programme and rigorous infection control measures.
Further information for health professionals on UCLH’s screening policies and recommended procedures can be downloaded using the links below:
(select the relevant language)
Keeping you safe from MRSA
(Albanian), (Bengali), (English), (Somali), (Spanish), (Turkish).
Keeping you safe from MRSA – Day surgery patients
Testing positive for MRSA
(Albanian), (Bengali), (English), (Somali), (Spanish), (Turkish)