The Importance of Staff Cleanliness In Hospitals

In recent years there have been frightening cases of deadly superbugs such as MRSA, and now MSSA, taking hold in our hospitals. When we are admitted into the hospital because of illness or injury, the last thing we would expect is to be at risk of contracting a life-threatening infection. A recent study has found that a quarter of the bugs are being spread by nursing staff and the message is that, more than ever, staff cleanliness must be maintained to reduce the risk of infection.

What is a superbug? - It is a bacteria that has developed a resistance to multiple antibiotics. MRSA (methicilllin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is the most widely known, with MSSA (methicilllin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus) also on the rise. Like MRSA, it can kill by causing pneumonia and an infection of the heart lining in people who have lowered immune systems and are already very sick.

How is it spread? - The bacteria is usually spread through skin-to-skin contact with someone who has been infected or has the bacteria living on their skin. The lead author of the new study into the spread of the infection is Dr. Deverick Anderson, associate professor of medicine at Duke University School of Medicine in the US. Quoted in the Daily Mail, he said: “I think sometimes there’s the misconception that if, for instance, a nurse is just talking to patients and not actually touching them, that it might be okay to skip protocols that help reduce pathogen transmission, like washing hands or wearing gloves.”

It shows that wearing gloves is essential in helping to prevent the spread of the disease. One of the largest ranges of disposable gloves on the market can be found at Brosch which supplies both medical and industrial professions.

What else can be done to prevent infection? - The NHS advises that hospital staff who come into contact with patients should maintain high standards of hygiene and take extra care when treating patients with a superbug. This, again, means thoroughly washing hands and wearing gloves. The hospital environment, including floors, toilets and beds should be kept as clean and dry as possible. 

How else can it be spread? - The study by researchers at Duke University also found that the bugs were harboured within staff uniforms, in sleeves and pockets, and found on bedrails, and even on wards which are cleaned every day. It can also be spread through contact with towels, sheets and dressings or other objects that have been used by a person infected by MRSA. Patients and visitors should maintain good hygiene and wash their hands regularly and thoroughly after using the toilet and before and after eating, as well as reporting any cleanliness issues in facilities to nursing staff.

What treatment is available? - Limited treatment options exist in dealing with superbugs that have developed a resistance to antibiotics and have infected the body. One of the few drugs that has been used to fight it, called daptomycin, has been shown to only cure one third of patients. The NHS has further information on its website on spotting the signs and symptoms of MRSA, treatment and prevention.