Chichester hospital marks two-year MRSA milestone

A MILESTONE marking two years since a patient acquired an MRSA bloodstream infection while staying at St Richard's Hospital has been celebrated by Western Sussex Hospitals.
By The Newsroom
Published 6th Nov 2012, 08:54 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 19:22 BST

The Chichester hospital said it had focused on rigorous screening and high levels of cleanliness to reach the target.

Marianne Griffiths, chief executive of the trust, said: “This is a fight which will never be over, but I hope patients are reassured by the outstanding achievements of hospital staff.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Only a few years ago MRSA was constantly in the news, and many people felt it was out of control – our staff have shown that patients can be protected if you have the right skills and a total commitment to a zero-tolerance approach, day in day out.”

MRSA is a relatively common bacteria which only becomes a danger if it enters the body.

Dr Marjory Greig, lead consultant for infection control at the trust, said her overriding concern was to keep patients safe from the dangers of infection.

“We cannot allow any complacency – ultimately this is not about numbers, it is about keeping individuals 
safe from avoidable infections.”

All patients admitted as an emergency or for a planned operation are screened for MRSA and those in hospital for a prolonged period are 
re-tested to reduce any risk.