Danish hospitals have permanent hygiene units which may be contacted when infections occur. This is not the case in primary health care or at local level. As in other European countries, the spread of MRSA has been observed in primary health care and at local level. In nursing homes the balance of keeping the residents in a "home-like" situation combined with institutional conditions may be difficult. It is important to establish access to hygiene counselling and education at local level also taking into account the above mentioned difficulties. The GP has a key coordinating role in relation to the patient.