MDRO (Multi-drug resistant organisms)
Date issued: September 2024
For review: September 2026
Ref: A-641/AKR/Learning disability team/MDRO
PDF: MDRO.pdf [pdf] 294KB
What is an MDRO?
MDRO is the short way of saying multi-drug resistant organisms. They are bacteria (bugs) that are not easy to treat with antibiotics. Some of the places you may get these bugs are in your pee or blood.
What happens if I get told I have an MDRO?
If you are healthy, you will not need any treatment.
If you are unwell, we will prescribe you the right antibiotics.
How did I get an MDRO?
We do not always know why a patient has an MDRO. MDRO’s can be found on the skin, what we touch, in water or soil.
Can I have visitors in hospital?
Visitors will normally be able to visit.
They must follow instructions from the staff.
Please speak to a member of staff if you have any questions.
How can we stop the spread of an MDRO?
Staff will wash our hands using soap and water. We are happy for you to ask if we have washed our hands.
Staff will wear apron and gloves when giving care.
If you have an MDRO, you should be nursed in a single room.
We will keep a record on your notes that you have an MDRO.
What can you do?
Wash your hands with soap and water after going to the toilet and before and after eating.
If you are nursed in a single room, follow the instructions you are given.
Do not touch any wounds, or medical devices you have.
What else do I need to know?
We may need to take a poo sample, a poo swab from your anus (bottom) or sample from any wounds you have.
Going home
You need to wash your hands with soap and water, especially after going to the toilet.
Anyone helping with your care needs to wash their hands with soap and water before and after caring for you.
You need to complete the course of antibiotics if you have been prescribed to take these at home.
Your GP will be told about your MDRO result.
What happens if I need to go back to hospital?
Please tell the staff you have an MDRO.
