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Jim fixes it for MRSA study
[Posted: Fri 14/01/2005 - www.irishhealth.com]
By Deborah Condon
The former host of children's television programme, 'Jim'll Fix It', has fixed it for researchers to proceed with a study which could spell the end for the hospital 'superbug', MRSA.
In December, researchers at the University of Manchester announced that they had discovered that certain essential oils, usually used in aromatherapy, could kill the deadly MRSA bug.
Staphylococcus aureus are commonly occurring bacteria found on the skin. However methicilin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are a strain of the bacteria that are resistant to some of the most powerful antibiotics available.
MRSA thrives in hospitals where people are in close proximity and may have their defences weakened by illness. For a small number of patients, infection with the bug may be life threatening.
Jimmy Savile
The Manchester researchers found that three essential oils killed MRSA and E.coli, as well as other bacteria and fungi, within two minutes of contact. These oils, they said, could easily be blended into soaps and shampoos, to be used by hospital staff and patients.
The researchers needed money - £40,000 sterling - to carry out clinical trials to prove that their theory was correct. However because essential oils are naturally occurring, they cannot be patented. As a result, drug companies did not appear willing to invest in the work, as they did not see it as commercially viable.
After reading about their plight, Jimmy Savile got in touch with researcher, Dr Peter Warn and offered to donate the £40,000.
"We are absolutely delighted that Sir Jimmy Savile has decided to fund our work. His generous donation means that we can employ a research nurse to carry out a trial at the Christie Hospital in Manchester. We are going to start work on the trial as soon as possible", Dr Warn said.
He added that while people were very keen to find out which essential oils they were using, 'until the trial has been completed, we won't be able to release this information'.
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sheila(OQM19964) Posted:
14/01/2005 19:02 |
| I used to work at Christie Hospital and so am not suprised that they are once again at the forefront of vital research this time with the deadly MRSA.Well done to Jimmy for contributing to this project. He used to work as a voluntary hospital porter many years ago and was a well loved character in the wards and departments. |
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