The prevalence of MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) in many hospitals is one of the biggest long-term challenges facing the NHS. Despite stringent hygiene policies and inward investment, the pathogen remains endemic – and poses a serious threat to the health and well-being of many patients. In this article, we examine the role of hospital laundry bags in helping you combat MRSA in hospitals and care homes.
MRSA In Hospitals: A Clear And Present Danger
Hospitals and care facilities are a potential breeding ground for a variety of pathogens, so what makes MRSA in hospitals so dangerous? The key to this is its resistance to many commonly used antibiotics, including penicillin and amoxicillin and – as its name suggests – the antibiotic of last resort, methicillin. For this reason, MRSA is often referred to as a ‘superbug’, and is extraordinary difficult to treat.
MRSA can survive for extended periods on various surfaces, including ventilators, catheters, and the implements used in surgery, as well as bed sheets, furnishings, and other surfaces. This gives the organism multiple transmission points and opportunities to enter the body. The symptoms of MRSA infection can range from a mild skin condition – including boils and abscesses – to blood poisoning, pneumonia, or severe surgical site infections.
Unfortunately, without the right infection controls, MRSA can spread rapidly around the hospital – with the hospital laundry room and collection points being common nexuses for wider outbreaks.
Patients with a weakened immune system are even more susceptible to infection from MRSA, where the bacteria can take hold in the body through bedsheets following surgery. Using water-soluble laundry bags helps ensure that your contaminated linens are handled more hygienically, reducing the risk of infection.
The Threat To NHS Key Workers
NHS key workers are also at risk of infection from MRSA, and healthcare workers may transfer bacteria from surface to surface if proper hygiene protocols are not followed. Hospitals can reduce the risk of spread by using laundry bags to minimise contact with contaminated materials. This helps to streamline the process of handling soiled linens and other items, reducing the cross-contamination risk in high traffic areas.
The Solution: Soluble Laundry Bags
If there is already an active MRSA outbreak in the hospital or care home, improper handling of contaminated linens can contribute to its spread. In these cases, water-soluble laundry bags are an effective hygiene solution. Our hot, cold and alginate stitch soluble laundry bags ensure that all linens are processed safely and hygienically at a temperature capable of killing the MRSA bacterium, and mitigating potential airborne risks during handling.
Request A Quote
If you’d like to find out more about our range of water-soluble laundry bags and how they can help strengthen hygiene protocols in your hospital, please get in touch with Slik-Pak today to request a quote.
Image source: Canva