The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) is reporting no new cases of MRSA on Unit 3; however, visitation remains limited to immediate family only on the nursing unit, says QEH Medical Director Dr. Rosemary Henderson.
“While we have had no new cases of MRSA on Unit 3 since last week, the number of patients with MRSA on Unit 3 continues to be higher than usual. As a result, we have determined that it is necessary to maintain limited visitation on the unit until we can be certain to have contained the bacteria,” said Dr. Henderson. “We continue to test patients regularly and follow the recommended infection control measures, including isolation precautions and heightened cleaning protocols.”
Visitation on Unit 3 remains limited to:
• Immediate family members only
• Only two (2) visitors at one time per patient (this includes children)
• Visits should be kept brief (15 minutes)
• Follow general visiting hours
“We appreciate that our current visitor limitations are difficult for patients on Unit 3, their families and friends during this time,” added Dr. Henderson. “However, it is important that the public continues to follow these visitor guidelines for Unit 3 as they support our efforts in curbing the further spread of this highly communicable bacteria.”
It remains extremely important that everyone coming to the hospital, including visitors and persons coming in for tests, x-rays or ambulatory procedures clean their hands before and after entering a patient’s room, a department, and upon entering and leaving the facility. Alcohol hand-rinse stations are available throughout the building for this purpose.
MRSA is a bacteria that is resistant to certain types of antibiotics. These bacteria are most commonly spread by direct and also indirect contact via hands. Patients who test positive for these antibiotic resistant bacteria can either be colonized or infected. Colonization occurs when the bacteria lives on one or more body sites with no signs and symptoms of illness. Infection occurs when the bacteria get past a person’s normal defences and the individual becomes ill.
The situation will be reassessed late Tuesday morning and officials will be providing a further update at that time.