Doctors ‘must be open’ with MRSA patients

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

One in 10 patients admitted to acute hospitals develop a healthcare-associated infection. Some patients have conditions, such as an immune system that is compromised, leaving them at a greater risk of infection.

The Health Service Executive’s director of public health, Dr Phil Jennings, said it was critical healthcare workers informed affected patients of their condition and the prognosis.