Visitation on Unit 3 at the QEH remains limited to immediate family only as the hospital continues to see a higher than usual number of patients testing positive for Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) on that unit.
“As an added precaution, we have also temporarily stopped any new admissions to Unit 3 as we want to ensure we’re doing everything possible to limit any new MRSA cases,” said QEH medical director, Dr. Rosemary Henderson. “We continue with heightened infection control measures, and staff will further enhance cleaning and patient bathing procedures.”
Hospital officials continue to limit visitation on Unit 3 with the following precautions in place:
• 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
It is 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 Wednesday, July 24, and officials will be providing a further update at that time.