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At Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center, we are committed to providing you with the best care. Because your health and safety are important to us, we are taking part in state and national patient safety programs to reduce the risk of transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Illinois Department of Public Health has recognized that there are bacteria, or germs, both inside and outside the hospital of special concern because they are resistant to antibiotic treatment and can cause infection. Antibiotic resistance is growing into a worldwide problem.
People can carry germs in their body without symptoms, and they can unknowingly be passed from patient to patient if important steps are not taken. A very important germ (bacteria) that may be resistant to many antibiotics is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA is commonly found on the skin or in the nose.
Prevention and Control of MRSA in the Hospital
You will be placed on "Contact Precautions" to help us prevent the spread of MRSA. This means that healthcare staff (doctors, nurses, lab, radiology personnel, etc.) and visitors will be wearing gloves and possibly gowns while caring for you or visiting you. The presence of these bacteria does not require treatment unless you have infection.
Please ask the nurse if you have any questions or concerns regarding information about MRSA. Within 24-48 hours after the swabs are collected, your nurse or doctor will share the results with you. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Our staff is working diligently to protect you from infection while you are in the hospital as well as to protect you from infections after you go home. Information about MRSA is available, and you can ask your nurse for this information at any time.
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