Recent figures published by the HSE show a steady decline in the number of MRSA cases reported.
There was a decrease of 59% in reported cases of MRSA from 2006 to 2012. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) gathers information from Hospitals on health care associated infections and anti-microbial resistant organisms such as MRSA.
MRSA has been widespread in Irish Hospitals for nearly 40 years during which time particular MRSA strains have dominated for periods of several years and have then been replaced by different MRSA strains. The st22/MRSA/IV strain has dominated in Irish Hospitals since 2002 and since then has accounted for 70-80% of life threatening MRSA bloodstream infections each year.
MRSA is also troublesome in Prisons and nursing homes for patients with open wounds, invasive devices and weakened immune systems are at greater risk of infection than the general public.
Moloney & Co Solicitors have acted on behalf of many clients who have contracted MRSA while patients in Hospitals and Nursing Homes. Some of the issues that need to be considered by any person who has contracted MRSA are as follows:
- Prior to surgery had you spent any time in Hospital and /or Care Homes?
- Was your skin swabbed prior to surgery to test for MRSA and is so do you re-call the result?
- Was any action taken on foot of those results?
- From the date of admission to Hospital until your diagnosis with MRSA can you recollect if any other patients on the ward had MRSA or had ‘isolation notices’ above their beds?
- Did Healthcare staff wash their hands or use alcohol rub after treating you and before treating the next patient?
The above questions are simply part of the issues that would have to be addressed by any patient who wants to investigate whether they negligently acquired MRSA during the course of their stay or treatment in the Hospital. There are many other issues that would have to be considered which our Firm can assist you with.
If you wish to speak to Liam Moloney Solicitor regarding the Law relating to MRSA please email him at info@moloneysolicitors.ie or call on 045 898000.
