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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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MRSA Prevention and Management Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline how {{org_field_name}} prevents, identifies, and manages Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) infections among the people we support and staff, to ensure safe and effective care delivery. This policy supports compliance with Regulation 12 – Safe Care and Treatment, ensuring that infection prevention measures are in place to protect individuals from avoidable harm and the spread of healthcare-associated infections​.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff employed or contracted by {{org_field_name}}, including care workers, nurses (if applicable), administrative staff, and the Infection Control Lead. It also applies to any individual receiving support from our service, particularly those with wounds, indwelling devices, or a history of MRSA colonisation or infection.

3. Related Policies

• CH11 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy
• CH13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
• CH17 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy
• CH18 – Risk Management and Assessment Policy
• CH24 – Management of Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses Policy
• CH34 – Confidentiality and Data Protection (GDPR) – Service User Policy

4. Policy Statement and Responsibilities

Understanding MRSA
MRSA is a strain of the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that has developed resistance to commonly used antibiotics. It can live harmlessly on the skin (colonisation) but can cause serious infections if it enters the body, particularly through wounds, urinary catheters, or invasive devices. People most at risk include those with chronic illnesses, open wounds, or recent hospital admissions.

Roles and Responsibilities

• The Registered Manager is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring all staff are trained
• The Infection Control Lead ({{org_field_infection_control_lead_name}} – {{org_field_infection_control_lead_role}}) oversees infection surveillance, audits, and clinical guidance
• All care staff are responsible for following infection control procedures and reporting concerns promptly
• Healthcare professionals involved in wound care or clinical procedures must document MRSA risk assessments and ensure appropriate treatment protocols are followed

Prevention Measures
To prevent the spread of MRSA, {{org_field_name}} implements the following:

• Hand Hygiene: Staff must perform hand hygiene before and after all care tasks, using soap and water or alcohol-based gel
• Use of PPE: Gloves and aprons are worn when delivering personal care, handling wounds, or cleaning bodily fluids
• Environmental Cleanliness: Staff ensure that frequently touched surfaces and care equipment are cleaned and disinfected using appropriate products
• Screening Awareness: Staff are alert to people recently discharged from hospital who may have been screened for MRSA
• Minimising Invasive Procedures: Avoiding unnecessary catheterisation or wound exposure helps reduce infection risk
  All infection prevention practices follow the latest guidance from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Regulation 12 – Safe Care and Treatment​.

Care of People with MRSA
When a person we support is diagnosed or suspected to have MRSA:

• A risk assessment is carried out to identify risks to others and tailor the infection control approach
• A care plan is developed to include infection control measures, hygiene routines, and treatment details
• Staff follow contact precautions, such as using PPE, disposing of waste and laundry properly, and using single-use items where appropriate
• Visitors and family members are provided with clear guidance to reduce cross-contamination risk
• The person’s dignity is maintained at all times, and they are supported to understand and manage their condition
  Care staff must never stigmatise or isolate individuals unnecessarily; instead, infection control is embedded respectfully into everyday care practices.

Treatment and Medical Management
Treatment decisions are made by the person’s GP or community nurse. This may involve:

• Topical decolonisation (e.g. nasal ointments, antimicrobial washes)
• Antibiotics for active infections
• Wound care support
  Care staff assist by monitoring for signs of infection (e.g. redness, heat, swelling, pus), supporting adherence to treatment, and alerting medical professionals to concerns promptly.

Reporting and Notification
If MRSA is diagnosed, {{org_field_name}} will:

• Record the infection in the individual’s care plan and risk log
• Inform the Registered Manager and Infection Control Lead
• Liaise with the person’s GP, district nurse, and other professionals involved
• Report to Public Health authorities if there is an outbreak or linked cases in the community
• Notify CQC if the infection results in serious harm or hospital admission under Regulation 18 – Notification of Other Incidents​

Staff Safety and Support
Staff who come into contact with MRSA are protected by standard infection control measures. If staff are colonised or infected, occupational health support is provided, and they are risk assessed before returning to frontline duties. Staff are reminded that good hygiene practices protect both themselves and those they care for.

Education and Training
All staff receive infection control training on induction and annually, including:

• Understanding MRSA and how it spreads
• Proper hand hygiene techniques
• Use and disposal of PPE
• Safe handling of waste and laundry
• Responding to suspected infections
  Training is delivered by the Infection Control Lead or qualified trainer and is updated in line with national guidance.

Monitoring and Audit
The Registered Manager and Infection Control Lead will:

• Audit infection control practices quarterly
• Review all MRSA cases to identify learning
• Monitor PPE usage and hygiene compliance
• Ensure documentation of care plans and communication logs
  Audit results feed into the governance framework under Regulation 17 – Good Governance and are used to improve safety and learning​.

5. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or following any outbreak, regulatory change, or updated guidance from UKHSA or CQC. The Registered Manager will ensure that all staff are notified of and trained in any changes to the policy.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.