The study is a two-arm controlled multi-centre trial of two strategies to reduce nosocomial MRSA transmission and infection among surgical patients. Enrolment and primary analyses will be performed at the hospital level. A total of ten adult surgical departments with at least 3 surgical subspecialties each will participate in the study. Sites of the study are located in 9 countries (UK, France, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Serbia, Greece and Israel).