Everyday objects spread MRSA, expert claims

EVERYDAY objects frequently used in hospitals such as pens, patient notes and computer keyboards could be helping the spread of the MRSA superbug, an expert warned yesterday.

A study by University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust found charts, case notes, bins, pens and keyboards in an intensive care unit, staff aprons, and hands were contaminated with MRSA.

Patients in intensive care are most at risk from hospital-acquired infections, but while more than 6,000 cases of MRSA were detected in Ireland last year, there is no data on MRSA deaths.