Case study: NY hospital isolates MRSA patients

Here's a story of one New York hospital which has taken its battle against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) to a new level. Syracuse, NY-based Crouse Hospital operates a 17-bed unit, possibly the only one of the country, which is dedicated entirely to treating patients who test positive for the bug. Crouse set up its MRSA unit in 1999, when it suffered an MRSA outbreak which killed one patient. Now, the hospital screens patients with large wounds, plus those coming from nursing homes and other hospitals, and routes them appropriately. All patients who test positive end up on the MRSA unit, regardless of their condition.   Since establishing the unit, Crouse's MRSA infection rate among patients has dropped 75 percent, executives say.

To learn more about this strategy:
- read this Houston Chronicle piece

Related articles:
- Study: Tracking, control of hospital infections still tough Report
- MA hospital-acquired infections cost millions. Report
- Study: Simple steps can cut ICU infections. Report
- SPOTLIGHT: Battling deadly biofilms. Report
- VHA program fights hospital-acquired infections. Report
- Infections hurt patients, providers. Report

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