Reducing the risk from healthcare associated infections is a priority for healthcare commissioners, providers and patients alike. In order to reduce the risk to you when you go into hospital and/or have any surgical procedure, you will be tested for MRSA.
MRSA stands for meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which is a common skin bacterium that is resistant to a range of antibiotics.
'Meticillin-resistant' means the bacteria are unaffected by meticillin, a type of antibiotic that used to be able to kill them.
MRSA infection means the bacteria have got into the body through a break in the skin and multiplied, causing symptoms. The symptoms of MRSA infection vary depending on which part of the body is infected, but there is often redness and swelling at the site of infection.
To reduce the risk of catching MRSA while receiving healthcare in a NHS Rotherham commissioned service we have the following screening policies:
Last reviewed: 13/01/2011
