DOCTORS must tell patients they have contracted a healthcare-associated infection, such as MRSA, as soon as possible.

Florence Nightingale’s undeviating determination to put her own stamp on nursing, nonetheless, succeeded, not just because of her capacity to use vitriol, charm and manipulation in equal measure, but because she understood the importance of communication.

THE State is spending at least €150 million a year on the treatment of the MRSA superbug when it could be spending the money on prevention.