HOSPITALS in Colchester have been praised by a national health watchdog for reducing the rates of superbug MRSA.

The Healthcare Commission inpsected every hospital in the country to see what they were doing to tackle infections.

They said great progress had been made against the infection, which was a credit to NHS staff.

Since April 1, Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust has recorded ten cases of MRSA against an annual target of 15 cases.

A spokesman for the Trust said: “We had a total of 14 cases last year and the numbers have come down this year.

“We have been promoting good hand hygiene because if it is done properly, it has a beneficial impact on MRSA cases.

“It’s not just about encouraging staff to do it but getting the message across to patients and visitors too.

“We also screen more patients as they come into hospital and are making sure we isolate patients with the disease to minimise the risk to others.

“We’ve also improved practice around ‘invasive’ procedures, such as putting in catheters, to reduce the risk of infection.

“Patient safety and improving the patient experience are two of the big buzz words for the NHS and this is part of it.”

Anna Walker, the Healthcare Commission’s chief executive, said: “The sustained reductions show that the NHS is coming to grips with MRSA – it must not lose the momentum.

“We are clear NHS Trusts are taking infection prevention and control very seriously.

“To keep rates going down, trusts must ensure their systems protect every patient, every time.”