MRSA Screening

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.

The Department of Health released the Saving Lives Campaign as a major drive against MRSA and other hospital-acquired infection. RJAH implemented the high impact intervention audit tool which includes a comprehensive screening programme and rigorous infection control measures.