MRSA can now be detected within three hours at Derriford

Last year there were 88 cases of MRSA at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth - 10% fewer than in the previous year.

It follows the introduction of a new screening system and measures designed to improve cleanliness.

Health bosses said it is an important step towards meeting new targets. The government wants a 60% reduction in the number of cases of MRSA by 2008.

The board of the Plymouth Hospitals Trust will be told on Friday it reflects hard work carried out by the infection control team.

Screening system

The hospital has spent more than £50,000 on a state-of-the-art screening system, which enables cases of MRSA to be identified in three hours instead of five days.

Staff are using alcohol gels to wash their hands and patients and visitors are being encouraged to ask health professionals whether they have done so before touching patients.

Dr Peter Jenks, the director of infection and control, said keeping hands clean is the single most important factor in reducing the risk of infection.