Abstract
Dr Thompson (November 2004, JRSM1) describes the measures taken to prevent MRSA infection in the intensive care unit of Medway Maritime Hospital. An additional strategy at St Thomas’ Hospital is to bathe patients daily using chlorhexidine gluconate scrub. In patients whose nasal and/or groin swabs grow MRSA, mupirocin nasal ointment is given for five days. After two days, patients with previously positive swabs are rescreened. After three clear screens the patient may leave isolation and is screened weekly. Skin decontamination may be a helpful measure to reduce MRSA in the intensive care unit, especially in view of Thompson’s observation that length of stay predicts acquisition.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
