This is Care Opinion [siteRegion]. Did you want Care Opinion [usersRegionBasedOnIP]?
Care Opinion

MRSA

Posted By MRSA patient

"MRSA"

About: Sydney / Sydney Eye Hospital / 1 East (Ophthalmology) Sydney / Sydney Eye Hospital / 2 West & Hand Clinic

(as the patient),

I was admitted to Sydney Hospital following evaluation in the A & E department. All the medical staff were wonderful; knowledgeable, caring, kind and thoughtful. Once on a ward for an infection on my wrist and eye, the results from multiple tests (x-ray, ultrasound, blood tests and swabs) came back showing that I had Community Acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA). Obviously my husband and I were frightened and scared, both for ourselves and for other patients - I did not want to spread MRSA to others. After a few hours, I was moved into an empty ward, then after another few hours, I was moved into a single room so that I could be isolated. The isolation routine was then upheld until the infection subsided and I was discharged. I have no complaints about my treatment in Sydney Hospital. It was great.

However we are deeply concerned about the lack of aftercare. I was discharged back into society with no eradication protocol having been carried out. Clearly I was (and am) still infected with CA-MRSA yet the hospital has discharged me.

I feel that I should've been seen by a specialist and had the MRSA eradicated before being discharged. I am of course aware that all hospitals need beds and don't keep patients longer than absolutely necessary, however it does seem negligent to send an MRSA-infected person back into the community. Already, so we're told, there is a 30% prevalence of CA-MRSA. Why are hospitals not doing all that they possibly can to prevent further spread?

I feel that I should've been seen by an Infectious Diseases Specialist before being discharged and an appointment made for me to see an Immunologist to get on top of this dreadful and potentially deadly infection.

I am a neuroscience PhD, so am aware of clinical practice and am not one to dramatise, but I would appreciate someone looking into this for us (myself and my worried husband) to ensure that what happened to us is correct procedure.

If I should indeed be seen by a specialist in MRSA, I am very happy to do so.

Please again be aware that I am not complaining about the staff or medical personnel who dealt with me wonderfully.

I hope to hear from you.

Kind regards

More about:
Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Jennie Barry, General Manager, Prince of Wales/Sydney/Sydney Eye Hospital 6 years ago
Jennie Barry
General Manager,
Prince of Wales/Sydney/Sydney Eye Hospital

Submitted on 21/02/2018 at 11:10 AM
Published on Care Opinion at 11:51 AM

Dear MRSA patient,

Thank your for your feedback around your recent experience as an inpatient at Sydney and Sydney Eye Hospital on Patient Opinion. It is lovely to hear that your experience with our medical staff was positive, and that you received excellent care during your stay on the ward.

If you would like to contact our Clinical Nurse Consultant Infection Control and have a discussion around your concerns about being discharged with CA-MRSA, kindly email us at: SESLHD-SSEHExecutiveServices@health.nsw.gov.au

He would be very happy to have a conversation with you about this matter.

I trust your eye and wrist are improved.
Regards Jennie

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by MRSA patient (the patient)

Dear Jennie,

Thank you for your reply to my concerns about MRSA (on the Patient Opinion website).

I would like to talk with your Clinical Nurse Consultant Infection Control. We are local to the Sydney Hospital and would like to come and have a conversation with him.

We could do this afternoon (Weds 21st) after 3.30pm or Friday 23rd (9 - 11am or 2 - 6pm) or anytime on Saturday. If those are not suitable for him, perhaps you could ask him to suggest a time?

As I've said before, our concern is the lack of care in sending me out into the community knowing that I have CA-MRSA. This doesn't seem good practice. Surely hospitals need to do all that they can to minimise the spread of MRSA?

Kind regards

Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k