New drive to tackle superbugs like MRSA

Hospitals will have to display infection rates as part of a new drive to tackle superbugs like MRSA.

Health Secretary John Reid said: "Cleanliness remains a major patient concern and MRSA is a growing problem. My approach is to be open about this."

The measures to cut the level of infections acquired in hospitals include plans to:

Fly in experts from countries with low MRSA rates to advise the NHS on improving infection control

• Publish each hospital's infection rates and trends
• Give staff at ward level the tools to make cleanliness a top priority
• Put quality ahead of cost on hospital cleaning contracts
• Hold a summit of leading experts to advise on research into hospital infections
• John Reid said that as patients will have a choice of hospitals by the end of next year, hospital infection rates could affect their decision.

"In hospital I want NHS patients to demand the highest standards of hygiene and - since human contact is a major way infection spreads in hospital - to feel happy to ask staff if they've washed their hands."