New figures released by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) show that the number of cases of MRSA (bacteraemia) at Epsom, St Helier and Sutton hospitals during 2008/09 are the lowest since records began.
The new data also shows the trust recorded six cases of MRSA between January and March 2009, compared with nine the previous quarter.
The figure represents a cut of over 50 per cent compared to the same quarter in 2008 (13 cases) and is the lowest figure it has ever recorded since the HPA started monitoring cases in 2001.
Interim chief executive Peter Coles said: “Infection control and prevention is our top priority. "We have put tough measures in place on the ground, including launching a hard-hitting awareness campaign to remind patients, visitors and staff of the importance of good hand hygiene.
“We are delighted with the new figures, but there is no room for complacency – we will continue to do all we can to keep the number of infections at the absolute minimum possible.”
The trust has a specialist infection control and prevention team and has recently committed to continuing the deep cleaning of its hospitals, at a cost of £300,000 per year.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here