MRSA can open the bloodstream through open wounds

Heartlands Hospital came second only to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth in the latest figures, drawn up by the Office of National Statistics.

Birmingham's City hospital came sixth in the list.

The MRSA infection is dangerous in hospitals because it can get into the bloodstream through open wounds.

'Reduce infection'

Labour MP Andrew McKinley, who obtained the figures, said the seriousness of the situation is being underestimated.

He told BBC Radio WM: "Frankly, the epidemic of infections in hospitals is being wilfully under- reported at all levels."

Mark Goldman, chief executive of Birmingham Heartlands and Solihull NHS Trust, said in a statement that the hospital was "particularly scrupulous" in reporting suspected cases of MRSA.

He added: "We take reported data such as this very seriously and continue to look at ways to reduce the spread of infection."