TheatrePracticeStandardsGeneric1

Generic Theatre Standard No 06E Management of Patients with MRSA in
the Operating Theatre Department
Standard Statement: All Theatre staff will have knowledge of the requirements for caring for
patients with MRSA into operating department to protect self, colleagues and patients from the risk
of health care acquired infection.
General Considerations
RCHT MRSA Policy MRSA - Meticillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Policy
Generic Theatre Standard 04 - Infection control in the Operating Department
• Staff risk the most effective method of preventing and controlling the spread of MRSA
is by the effective decontamination of hands after every patient episode or contact.
Personnel and movement in theatre should be kept to a minimum as MRSA may be
released into the atmosphere on the skin squames, fibres from clothing or carried as
dust particles. There is no reason to exclude pregnant staff from caring for patients with
MRSA.
• Patient position on list schedule DO NOT NEED to be last on list
• Hand Hygiene High standards of hand decontamination are required to minimise the
risk of cross infection. Hands should be adequately decontaminated before and after
patient contact and on leaving an isolation facility/ward. Hand decontamination should
be by thorough washing with soap and water, or the application of a 70% alcohol hand
rub. Bacterial counts increase when the skin is damaged therefore care must be taken
to maintain skin integrity. It is important that a good quality Trust approved hand cream
is applied regularly throughout the shift e.g. beginning and end and when a break is
taken.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) If there is a risk of exposure to blood or body
fluids then all staff handling the patient or having contact with their immediate
environment should wear disposable aprons. If aprons have not been used theatre
attire (tops, trousers and hats) must be changed as soon as is reasonably practicable
or if contamination has occurred. Gloves – gloves do not obviate the need for hand
decontamination and should only be worn when there is contact with body fluids.
• Environment/equipment cleaning All surfaces cleaned with Actichlor Plus following
surgery. Adequate time for cleaning of the theatre and equipment must be allowed
between patients. All surfaces that have been in contact with the patient should be
cleaned as per the manufacturers’ guidelines.
• Recovery PACU instructions Known MRSA patients DO NOT NEED to recovered in
theatre. Appropriate communication with the recovery team must occur to ensure that
they are informed of the patient’s status. PPE (gloves and apron) should be worn
during the transfer. The recovery bay and all equipment must be cleaned following
transfer to the ward. Recovery staff must ensure that the receiving ward is fully aware
of MRSA status and the patient transferred to a side room.
Compliance: 100%
Exceptions: None
References:
• AfPP Principles of Safe Practice in the Perioperative Environment 2011
• RCH Trust Policy MRSA MRSA - Meticillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Policy
• RCHT Decontamination Policy RCHT IPAC Decontamination Policy
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