BASINGSTOKE hospital is proving to be a shining example when it comes to clean wards and a healthy environment.

With the release of new guidelines for hospitals on how often floors should be cleaned and beds changed to tackle the MRSA superbug, the hospital is proud to be complying with the new rules already.

But Hazel Gray, senior infection control sister, said there is still room for improvement and a new auditing system will aim to address any underlying cleanliness issues.

She said there were 20 cases of MRSA infection at Basingstoke hospital between April 2003 and April 2004 - none of these were fatal.

The hospital has introduced a new hand-washing scheme and has an infection control team that is on the wards daily.

Mrs Gray said: "We are definitely getting better, but we could improve more. The auditing will improve things because it will find out where the problem areas are and address them."

Auditing is being gradually introduced, which will involve regular close assessments of all areas of the hospital.

This will include the high-risk areas such as theatres and intensive care wards, as well as low-risk areas such as administration offices.

Mrs Gray said: "It will address not only general cleaning, but also the upkeep of the building and making sure there is no dust."

Basingstoke hospital employs 100 full and part-time cleaners. But, contrary to the majority of other UK hospitals, the cleaners are employed directly by the hospital and are not contracted in.

"I think this is an advantage because it means a closer relationship between the cleaners and the hospital," explained Mrs Gray.

The floors are cleaned at least once a day, and more in high-risk areas, and all beds are changed every day.

The hospital is also taking part in a pilot scheme - the Clean Your Hands Campaign, run by the National Patient Safety Agency.

Hand gel dispensers have already been installed next to the beds, and posters to raise awareness will be going up around the building in January.

Mrs Gray said: "The aim of the campaign is to encourage patients to ask 'have you washed your hands before you touch me?'"

The scheme will be rolled out to all hospitals following a six-month trial period.