MRSA Screening Programme - An Overview
In Scotland, hospitals that treat emergency patients and carry out operations are introducing MRSA (meticillan resistant staphylococcus aureus) screening as part of a wider strategy to tackle infections such as MRSA in hospitals.
MRSA is a common bacterium which can live on your skin without causing any harm, but if it is on your skin whilst in hospital as it may lead to an MRSA infection developing. MRSA screening therefore involves identifying and testing patients who are admitted to hospital to see if they are carrying the bacterium as it can allow for appropriate actions to be taken.
Patients who are identified as being at risk will have a swab taken from their nose and their perineum (the area between the anus and the genitals) by a member of hospital staff using a cotton bud. This is usually painless, only slightly uncomfortable and the privacy and dignity of patients will be respected at all times.
If patients are found to be carrying MRSA, a healthcare worker will inform them of what needs to be done and this can often involve the use of a special body wash and a special nasal ointment. This can help to reduce the risk of MRSA infection to the individual patient and the probability of it spreading to other patients.
If you require further information about MRSA the following resources are available:
Leaflet MRSA Screening - Information for Patients
Alternative Language - Information for Patients
Patient Information Poster
Patient Information Film
A short information film about the MRSA screening process has also been created.
Further Information
Should you have any further questions about the MRSA Screening Programme please contact:
Email: NSS.HPSMRSAscreening@nhs.net
Tel: 0141 282 2932
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