Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA)

archived monthly rates

About this patient safety indicator:
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is one of seven infection control related indicators to be subject to province-wide reporting requirements for Ontario hospitals.

On December 30, 2008, hospitals were required by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to report publicly on their MRSA rates.

St. Joseph's Health Care, London has posted these rates to its public website, and will continue to update these on a quarterly basis. Public reporting of MRSA rates is another helpful measure to ensure the care provided to our patients is even safer and is continually improving.

St. Joseph's strongly supports the provincial government's new public reporting regime because we believe it will inspire improved performance, enhance patient safety, and strengthen the public's confidence in Ontario's hospitals.

How are the rates calculated?
[(# of new hospital-acquired cases of MRSA associated with the reporting facility)
÷
(# of patient days)]

x1000

= incidence rate of hospital-acquired MRSA infection associated with the reporting facility per 1000 patient days

What is Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)?
MRSA is a species of bacteria normally found in the nostrils and on the skin. It does not normally cause infection, but can in some cases. MRSA has acquired resistance to standard antibiotics.

How is MRSA treated?
Should infection develop with MRSA, alternate antibiotics are required for treatment.

How to prevent spread?
As a safety measure in hospital, staff provide care using special precautions to prevent spread of the infection to other patients. An infected patient may be moved to a new room and their activities outside their room may be restricted. Health care providers entering the patient's room may wear a gown and gloves. Everyone must clean their hands when they enter and exit your room, including staff, visitors and the patient themselves.