Hospitals and MRSA

There's been a lot in the UK news lately about the rise of MRSA and MSSA infections contracted in British hospitals. I understand they are treatment resistant forms of infections that can be very serious. I was just wondering if there has ever been this problem in hospitals in Hong Kong?


A lot of the controversy in the UK has been about cleanliness in hospitals so it may be just that the rise in MRSA cases is a result of funding and organisational problems particular to the UK's National Health Service. That said, my husband may soon be going into hospital here for a minor operation and as he has no spleen I'm concerned about the risk of infection.


I'd be grateful for any thoughts on the matter, even if it's just to say you've never heard of MRSA as that would indicate to me there's no real issue here.


Thanks!

MRSA is an enormous problem in the UK, and like many other ailments, Hong Kong is still not exposed to MRSA as much but this is increasing rapidly.


It all stems from resistant bacteria (not the ones persons without a spleen are particular sensitive to) managing to survive in the community and being brought into hospitals. Once in certain departments with high risks (longterm treatment, intensive care, frail patients) it can cause complications to patients who normally would not have this infection.


When staying in single rooms and for short stay, the risks are much reduced. Most private hospitals will have policies in place to prevent such infections entering the hospital (isolation of carriers, screening of high risk patients).


Although your husbands’ risks must be small (minor surgery) best to check if his hospital has an MRSA policy in place.





Executive Medical Director

Matilda International Hospital

Hong kong

http://www.matilda.org

Thanks so much for your reply. This is very useful information and has put my mind at ease!!