I have heard that hand washing does not "kill germs". If this is true, why are we constantly being urged by the healthcare industry to wash our hands frequently?

I would like to know about this new health threat that is being referred to as "superbug"; what is it and where is it threatening lives?

In early 2004 I entered the hospital with bacterial pneumonia, complicated by pleurisy and empyema. I then had thoracic surgery. Two weeks later I had a de-brevement surgery because I had contacted hospital-based MRSA and VRE. I am soon to have my hip and two knees fully replaced. Is there a concern that, having had MRSA and VRE that I am more susceptible to a recurrence of same? If so, what can be done ahead of time to possibly ameliorate the situation?