Increase in MRSA claims
07/04/2004
We found you very professional as well as approachable, helpful and caring. We can now move on and look forward to a more stable and secure future. I am sure that this would not have happened without yourselves being involved.
Jayne, Evesham
Alexander Harris are receiving an increasing number of enquiries from concerned individuals who have either themselves or a relative contracted MRSA. Most of the enquiries we have received have been from those infected whilst in hospital which has led to serious complications of their condition, in some cases even death.
What is MRSA?
MRSA stands for Methicillin Resistant Staphlococcus Aureus. Methicillin is a powerful antibiotic and Staphlococcus Aureus is a common type of bacteria. Repeated use of antibiotics to treat Staphlococcus infections has led to several strains becoming resistant to nearly all antibiotics. These resistant strains are called MRSA.
MRSA Carriers
Staphlococcus Aureus is found on the skin or in the nose of around 20-40% the population and seems to cause them no problems. They are said to be colonised or carriers. However, it can become a problem if the individual becomes run down, has wounds, undergoes surgery, has catheters or has intravenous drips as this allows the bacteria to enter the body.
Therefore MRSA is more commonly found in hospitals where patients are at a greater risk of infection. MRSA is unlikely to harm healthy people, but it can cause serious infection and even death in vulnerable individuals.
Detection and diagnosis
Skin or wound swabs and samples of blood or urine are taken and sent to the lab for analysis. It may take several days for the result to return. If a patient has MRSA then further swabs will be taken after treatment to ensure it has been cleared.
Treatment
If a patient is infected with MRSA then treatment will be needed. MRSA is resistant to most antibiotics except Vancomycin and Teicoplanin, which are powerful antibiotics and must be given by infusion or injection. New antibiotics are being developed.
Antimicrobial skin wash, soap and shampoo are used to eradicate colonisation of the skin and nasal cream is given for those who have the bacteria in their nose.
What can be done to prevent MRSA spreading?
- Hand washing is the most important factor in reducing the spread of MRSA from patient to patient, preferably using antibacterial soap and disposable towels.
- Patients colonised or infected with MRSA may be kept away from other patients in separate rooms or with other people with MRSA. Access to such rooms should be restricted.
- Gloves and disposable gowns should be worn prior to having physical contact with patients with MRSA. Hands should be washed after contact with a patient with MRSA even if gloves are worn.
- Visitors should not sit on the patient's bed and should wash their hands before leaving the room.
- MRSA can survive on inanimate objects or surfaces such as sheets, sinks, floors or even mops used for cleaning. For this reason areas where MRSA patients are nursed should be thoroughly cleaned with disinfectants.
Lesley Herbertson head of clinical negligence at Alexander Harris said: "People's expectations are higher today and they think hospitals should be taking more steps to prevent the spread of MRSA. It's a matter of increasing public concern."
"It is difficult to prove clinical negligence, however. In these cases, hospitals will produce documents to show they have good infection control procedures."
"We will obtain patient records and hospital records, and see if it is possible to bring a claim."
She said most enquiries were from people infected in hospital who suffered serious complications.
Every enquiry that Alexander Harris receives involving MRSA is fully investigated and each claim will be assessed on its individual merits.
If it is not feasible to pursue a claim, the Alexander Harris team is putting people in touch with the MRSA Support group on 0121 476 6583.
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