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MRSA: How Safe are You?

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Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), also known as staph infection or ‘Superbug,’ has been a constant topic of discussion in the news. How common are MRSA infections? Are these infections treatable? Should we be alarmed? Joining this episode of Patient Power is Victoria Nahum who lost her son to a hospital acquired infection. Also joining the program are two knowledgeable experts, Seattle Times reporter Mike Berens and hospital epidemiologist, Dr. Jeremias Murillo. The guests outline the main issues surrounding MRSA and discuss steps towards reducing these infections in the healthcare setting and beyond.

Victoria’s son, Josh, an avid skydiver was hospitalized after a skull injury. He was in the hospital and was made a ventilator-dependent quadriplegic after a Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI) caused fluid to build up around his brain, pushing part of his brain into his spinal cord, resulting in his death. Victoria later founded Safe Care Campaign, an organization to bring this issue to the national spotlight. Her mission is to not only educate the public about preventing HAIs, but to bring about real change in the American health care environment. Hear more of Victoria’s story and how she is raising awareness thought her organization.

Mike Berens, an investigative reporter for the Seattle Times, is known for groundbreaking, collaborative stories that get results, but after series of reports on MRSA, people started talking. He shares a few stories about patients who actually died as a result of contracting MRSA and how these infections can be avoided through simple steps that should be followed by the hospital staff. On the other hand, Dr. Murrillo, Medical Director of Infection Control and Epidemiology at Saint Barnabas Health Care System, brings clinical expertise to the discussion and talks about steps being taken to eradicate hospital-acquired infections by screening critically ill patients to make sure that they do not contract additional infections. He helps listeners understand the importance of not being caught up in the hype, but rather seeking information to make informed decisions.

If you are interested in learning more about MRSAs, this program offers a multifaceted look at assessing your risk. Listen or read, either way, you’ll walk away with news you can certainly use.

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EXPERTS & GUESTS:
Michael Berens Michael Berens,
Investigative Reporter, Seattle Times
Mike Berens is an investigative reporter for the Seattle Times. He is known for groundbreaking, collaborative stories that get results. He has been honored with more than 60 regional and national awards, among them a Pulitzer finalist, and has been twice honored with the Beck Award, given to the Trib's top investigative reporter. more >

Jeremias Murillo,
Hospital Epidemiologist and Medical Director of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Saint Barnabas Health Care System
Dr. Murillo is the Vice President for Clinical Services for the Saint Barnabas Health Care System. He was formerly the Hospital Epidemiologist of NBIMC and Director of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at the Children’s Hospital of New Jersey. Dr. Murillo received his medical degree from the Cebu Institute of Medicine in the Philippines and was trained in Pediatrics at The New... more >

Victoria Nahum ,
Mother who lost her son to an HAI
Victoria Nahum created the Safe Care Campaign shortly after losing her son to an HAI. The organization was founded to bring this issue to the national spotlight. Her mission is to not only educate the public about preventing HAIs, but to bring about real change in the American health care environment. The organization partners with health care systems, hospital administrators... more >

TRANSCRIPT:

  1. Introduction
  2. Victoria’s Story
  3. Eradicating Hospital-Acquired Infections
  4. Avoiding MRSA Infection
  5. Listeners’ Questions
  6. Additional Recommendations

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