Trinity Taking Swing at MRSA
January 12, 2008
rinity Regional Health System is implementing a plan to test more patients for a drug-resistant staph bacteria with hopes of eradicating it from its hospitals.
The germ is called MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. A new Illinois law requires hospitals to test intensive-care unit patients for the bacteria.
Carol Dwyer, who has a master’s degree in nursing and is Trinity’s vice president of hospital operations and chief nurse executive, said the health system this week expanded its testing to include the Terrace Park campus in Bettendorf, although Iowa does not have a law requiring it.
“Trinity came forward as a health care organization informing and educating the community about what MRSA is, how you get it, how to prevent it, how it’s treated and where it really originates,” Ms. Dwyer said.