THE NUMBER of patients contracting the superbug MRSA has been dramatically reduced at a Southampton hospital.

Figures for November and December last year show that the number of patients with MRSA at Southampton General Hospital was 50 per cent lower than the same period the previous year.

The overall reduction in MRSA cases is 35 per cent less than in 2005/06.

From April 2005 to April 2006 there were 92 cases of MRSA within the hospital compared to just 43 up until the end of December last year.

The biggest reduction was in May when the number of infections dropped from 14 in 2005 to just three last year.

Judy Gillow, director of nursing, said: "We take the prevention and control of infection extremely seriously and very much welcome this significant drop in the MRSA rate.

"The number of cases since April 2006 is 35 per cent down on the same period the previous year but we remain vigilant and will not be content until we have reduced the rate to zero.

"The reduction is thanks to a wide range of pro-active measures designed to help beat infection, from reviewing antibiotic prescribing to hygiene control measures such as improved hand washing and de-cluttering of clinical areas.

"Last year the trust launched a new visitor code which encourages members of the public to do their bit by using alcohol hand gel when they visit and sitting on chairs rather than beds to minimise infection risks.

"Our appeal for family and friends to observe set visiting hours wherever possible has also helped ensure there is adequate time for wards to be cleaned thoroughly which, helps drive down infection."

These new figures show there is a reduction in MRSA cases for the first time at Southampton University Hospital Trust (SUHT). In 2005/06 the trust reported an increase in the number of MRSA cases from 34 in the same period in 2004/05.