Medical Malpractice

What are the chances that medical staff in hospitals might contract MRSA?

My girlfriend's well into training as a radiographer in UK hospitals, and I'm concerned that she's going to contract MRSA. Patients are obviously particularly vulnerable, with open wounds etc., but how likely is it that a member of staff is going to contract this sickness? I'm very worried. Please let me know if you have any details, opinions, or info sources. Many thanks.

Public Comments

1. A lot of people carry MRSA on their skin anyway. Its just a bacteria like any others. So the chances of her "getting it" are high as she may come into contact with patients. However for all you know you may have it! The chances of her becoming ill with it are low, and even if she does unless she has other medical problems or a poor immune system a simple course of antibiotics should sort her. MRSA only really causes problems in the elderly and those with other medical problems. If she wears gloves and aprons when dealing with patients she will be fine. Edit: Ignore Maria below me - theres NO "vaccine for MRSA" and anyway vaccines don't kill things...they prevent (duh!), she clearly has no idea what she is talking about!
2. There is that possibility that she will get MRSA. But with the right precautions and Hygiene practices, this should not be a concern. There are vaccines available that will treat MRSA. And if you think negative about it, you will attract that experience into your life, and influence hers as well. So, stop worrying and think of possitive happy thoughts. You only attract what you focus on.
3. well it is possible to get it but if she wears the correctprotectiveequipment when treating those paatients she'll be fine. i worked in a hosital and aged care facilities for 2 years and never got anything
4. quite low i would think as nurses always use gloves when dealing with a patient and they take even more precautions when dealing with a patient with mrsa.i know this because i have had mrsa twice!
5. 30% of the population are carriers of MRSA without it ever causing them any problems. It doesn't make you ill unless you already have a lowered immune system. Stop worrying, your girlfriend wont 'contract this sickness' although she may well end up being a carrier, I suspect a high number of hospital staff are, although there are no official figures.
6. Well, as long as she follows correct safety procedure she should be fine. Just remember though, alcohol gel does kill MRSA but NOT Cdif.