Reduction in methicillin-resistant colonisation: impact of a screening and decolonisation programme.

Patients in care homes are often at 'high risk' of being methicillin-resistant (MRSA) colonised. Here we report the prevalence of MRSA, the effect of MRSA screening and decolonisation in Wolverhampton care-home residents. Eighty-two care homes (1665 residents) were screened for MRSA, three times at 6-monthly intervals (referred to as phases one, two and three).

Tackling infection in care homes.

Care home residents have a higher risk of contracting a healthcare-associated infection than the general population. This article describes a three-dimensional strategy that reduced MRSA colonisation among this group. This project won a Nursing Times/Health Service Journal Patient Safety Award in the primary care category in 2011.