THE trust responsible for running Southampton General, the Royal South Hants and Princess Anne hospitals has won an international infection control award.

Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust has been awarded joint third place in the Oxoid Infection Control Team of the Year Awards, beating entries from as far afield as Australia, the United States and China.

The trust was awarded £250 and a framed certificate.

Judy Gillow, director of nursing, said: "Although the award is for the infection control team, the achievements made are as a result of the work of all staff across the trust.

"The infection control team have worked to help co-ordinate and support this.

"We have implemented a wide range of initiatives, including a 'clean your hands' campaign and these have led to some very positive achievements and pro-gress, including a 35 per cent reduction in MRSA over the past year."