You have been told that you are colonised with CPE

You have been told that you are colonised with CPE

WHAT IS CARBAPENEASE-PRODUCING ENTERBACTERIACEAE (CPE)?
Enterobacteriaceae are bacteria that usually live harmlessly in the gut of humans. This
is called ‘colonisation’. However, if the bacteria get into the wrong place, such as the
bladder or bloodstream they can cause infection.

CPE are bacteria which are resistant to certain antibiotics called carbapenems (one of
the most powerful types of antibiotics). These CPE produce enzymes called
carbapenemases that destroy carbapenem antibiotics.

WHY DOES CARBAPENEM RESISTANCE MATTER?
Medical staff in hospitals rely on Carbapenem antibiotics to successfully treat difficult
infections when other antibiotics have failed. Therefore in hospitals, where there are
sick people, it is important to prevent the spread of resistant bacteria such as CPE.

DOES CPE COLONISATION NEED TO BE TREATED?
If a person is colonised (i.e. CPE is found in the gut) with CPE, they do not need to be
treated. However, if the bacteria have caused an infection, then special antibiotics will
be required.

HOW DID I BECOME COLONISED WITH CPE?
As mentioned above, sometimes these bacteria can be found, living harmlessly, in the
gut of humans and so it can be difficult to say when or where you became colonised.
However, there is an increased chance of becoming colonised with these bacteria if
you have been a patient in a hospital abroad or in a UK hospital that has had patients
carrying the bacteria.

HOW WILL I BE CARED FOR WHILST IN HOSPITAL?
Ideally you will be accommodated in a single room with toilet facilities whilst in
hospital.

HOW CAN THE SPREAD OF CPE BE PREVENTED?
Accommodating you in a single room helps to prevent the spread of the bacteria.
Healthcare workers should wash their hands regularly. They will use gloves and
aprons when caring for you. The most important measure for you to take is to wash
your hands well with soap and water, especially after using the toilet. You should avoid
touching medical devices (if you have any) such as your urinary catheter tube and
your intravenous drip, particularly at the point where it is inserted into the body or skin.
Visitors will be asked to wash their hands on entering and leaving the room and asked
to wear an apron.

WHAT ABOUT WHEN I GO HOME?
No special measures or treatment are required; You should carry on as normal,
maintaining good hand hygiene. If you have any concerns you may wish to contact
your GP for advice.

Before you leave hospital, the doctor or nurse will give you a card advising that you
are colonised with CPE. This information will be useful for the future and it is important
that you make health care staff attending you aware of it. Should you or a member of
your household be admitted to hospital, you should let the hospital staff know that you
are colonised with CPE and show them the card.

WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION?
If you would like further information, please speak to a member of the ward staff.

If your symptoms or condition worsens, or if you are concerned about anything,
please call your GP, 111 (for routine queries), or 999 (in a life threatening
emergency.

Patient Experience
We know that being admitted to hospital can be a difficult and unsettling time for you
and your loved ones. If you have any questions or concerns, please do speak with a
member of staff on the ward or in the relevant department who will do their best to
answer your questions and reassure you.

Feedback
Feedback is really important and useful to us – it can tell us where we are working well
and where improvements can be made. There are lots of ways you can share your
experience with us including completing our Friends and Family Test – cards are
available and can be posted on all wards, departments and clinics at our hospitals. We
value your comments and feedback and thank you for taking the time to share this with
us.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
If you have any concerns or questions about your care, we advise you to talk with the
nurse in charge or the department manager in the first instance as they are best
placed to answer any questions or resolve concerns quickly. If the relevant member of
staff is unable to help resolve your concern, you can contact the PALS Team. We offer
informal help, advice or support about any aspect of hospital services & experiences.

Our PALS team will liaise with the various departments in our hospitals on your behalf,
if you feel unable to do so, to resolve your problems and where appropriate refer to
outside help.

If you are still unhappy you can contact the Complaints Department, who can
investigate your concerns. You can make a complaint orally, electronically or in writing
and we can advise and guide you through the complaints procedure.

How to contact PALS:
Telephone Patient Services: 0300 123 1732 or via email at: [email protected]

Opening times:
The PALS telephone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.00pm. Please
be aware that you may need to leave a voicemail message, but we aim to return your
call within one working day.

If you are unable to understand this leaflet, please communicate with a member of
staff.

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