NEW figures show a drop in the number of patients who have contracted the potentially-deadly MRSA superbug at Basingstoke hospital.

Figures released on Monday, as part of a nationwide survey, show the number of cases in 2002-2003 was down to 20 from a figure of 29 in 2001-2002.

And, in the six-month period of April to September last year, there were just four reports of the notorious antibiotic-resistant bug.

In response to the increasing fears about MRSA and other infections picked up in hospital, the NHS has announced that such figures will be released every six months instead of once a year.

Hospital-acquired MRSA is estimated to claim the lives of 1,000 people each year across the country.

As part of the war on bugs, Basingstoke hospital is to be a pilot hospital for the National Patient Safety Agency's Clean Your Hands campaign.

Dr Fatima El-Bakri, consultant microbiologist at the hospital, said: "We are pleased with the improved figures but are continuing to work hard at reducing them further.

"We are positively encouraging our healthcare staff to share learning and best practice to enhance patient safety and give patients confidence in the treatment they receive."

The Clean Your Hands campaign involves the hospital placing disinfectant hand gel in places where staff have patient contact, and displaying posters to make patients and visitors aware of the campaign.

MRSA is resistant to the antibiotics that are used to treat similar bacteria, and is one of the most prevalent micro-organisms involved with healthcare-associated infections.

Patients such as those in intensive care and on surgical or orthopaedic wards are the most vulnerable.

Healthy people are generally at a low risk of MRSA infection.

First published: Friday, March 11, 2005