A SHARP decline in the number of infections at local hospitals has been highlighted in a report. West Herts Hospitals NHS Trust (WHHT) has seen a dramatic reduction in infections such as MRSA and C.Diff in their annual infection control report. In April t

A SHARP decline in the number of infections at local hospitals has been highlighted in a report.

West Herts Hospitals NHS Trust (WHHT) has seen a dramatic reduction in infections such as MRSA and C.Diff in their annual infection control report.

In April to July 2008 the trust had seven cases of MRSA and 26 cases of C.Diff, compared to 15 cases of MRSA and 212 cases of C.Diff during the same period last year.

None of the cases has been at St Albans City Hospital as all patients booked into the Elective Care Centre for treatment are screened for infection.

The Trust claims it has achieved the results through reducing the prescription of certain antibiotics which lower immunity, reinforcing hand hygiene, weekly hygiene audits and the opening of isolation wards.

Graham Ramsay, the medical director of the Trust, said: "I am delighted with the improvement shown by the Trust. Our figures have improved dramatically faster than practically anyone else in the country from being one of the worst performing Trusts in the country last year to being among one of the best. As a Trust we take infection control extremely seriously and over the last year everyone has worked hard to reduce cases of infection."

He added: "We are pleased with the positive progress we are making in combating infection and will continue to reinforce the message that good hygiene is good practice and is the responsibility of everyone in the Trust.