MRSA stands for Methicillin Resistant Staphlococcus Aureus. Methicillin is a powerful antibiotic and Staphlococcus Aureus is a common type of bacteria. It was through the repeated use of antibiotics to treat Staphlococcus related infections that led to several strains becoming resistant to nearly all antibiotics. These resistant strains are called MRSA.
The bacteria known as Staphlococcus Aureus is present on the skin or in the nose of about 20 to 40% of our population; however to most of these people it causes no problems, this is because it is unlikely to harm healthy people; they are just known as carriers. In individuals who are run down, have wounds, undergone surgery, have catheters or have intravenous drips it can cause serious problems or even death. MRSA mainly affects vulnerable people such as the elderly or the very sick, and people who have severely reduced resistance to infection.
Since the increase in the amount of cases of MRSA there has been and continues to be a focus on prevention and control of MRSA in the UK. Hospitals should take special steps to prevent the spread of MRSA from patient to patient. One of these steps may be to separate, or isolate, a patient with MRSA from other patients; however the best prevention is strict hygiene. This involves using antimicrobial skin wash, soap and shampoo, which are all used to stop the colonisation of the skin and nasal cream is given for those who have the bacteria in their nose. Also as well as ensuring that a patient is treated for MRSA on the skin they are also given antibiotics. As previously mentioned MRSA is resistant to most antibiotics; however there is an exception in the form of Vancomycin and Teicoplanin. These are highly powerful antibiotics and can only be administered through infusion or injection.
As a patient of a UK hospital the staff have a duty of care towards you to ensure that everything possible is being done to stop the spread of MRSA. If, as a patient, you contract MRSA due to a lack of care then you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
Although it can be difficult to claim as it is often difficult to prove clinical negligence you should get in touch with Accident Consult today and have your case assessed by one of our professional advisors who will be able to determine whether you have a chance of a successful compensation claim.
It is your civil and legal right to make a claim for compensation after suffering at the hands of a negligence person so contact Accident Consult today on 08081 68 69 70.
