New guidelines to combat the spread of superbugs like MSRA in Irish hospitals were published by the Health Service Executive (HSE) today.
The guidelines recommend doctors and nurses adhere to a strict regime of hand hygiene for all patient contact.
They also emphasise the importance of maintaining a clean hospital environment, minimising overcrowding and providing isolation facilities for those carrying MRSA.
The guidelines called for a more prudent use of use of antibiotics in hospitals and the early detection of MRSA through surveillance.
Dr Mary Hynes, acting director of the National Hospitals' Office, said that the HSE was determined to tackle the issue of healthcare associated infections and the spread of MRSA.
She said that hand washing was a key component in controlling the spread of infection and MRSA.
"Regular hand washing by staff, patients and visitors, while not the only action necessary, can have the greatest and most immediate impact on the spread of infections and bacteria such as MRSA. Hand hygiene in our hospitals must improve," she said.
The guidelines said MRSA and other antibiotic-resistant infections posed " significant challenges" to Irish hospitals.
Most patients who acquire MSRA carry the bacteria harmlessly but a minority of cases can develop into a more serious bloodstream infection. There were approximately 550 cases of this in Ireland last year.
