CASES of MRSA at a Suffolk hospital have been cut in half during the past year, figures reveal.In 2007/2008 there were 14 cases of MRSA at West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds compared with 27 the previous year.

CASES of MRSA at a Suffolk hospital have been cut in half during the past year, figures reveal.

In 2007/2008 there were 14 cases of MRSA at West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds compared with 27 the previous year.

In the first three months of 2008 there were 36 cases of Clostridium difficile compared with 108 during April to June last year.

Dr Caroline Barker, consultant microbiologist and infection control doctor, said: “We have made real progress in reducing the number of healthcare associated infections year- on-year. Success has depended on everyone working together, from doctors and nurses to porters and housekeepers, and embedding good hygiene practices into all that we do - all our staff are to be commended on what they have achieved.”