Robust hygiene is helpful but unfortunately some of our hospitals aren't renowned for that. I think everyone is tested prior to entering hospital for surgery. They certainly are in our local hospital. Nevertheless, that doesn't mean they won't contract MRSA - and they don't need to be sharing a room to do it. It isn't spread through coughs and sneezes like a cold - it's spread through open wounds and can be carried on pretty much anything the wound might come into contact with. My husband tested negative. That didn't help him though.