IPSWICH Hospital's MRSA figures have stayed the most static of all hospitals' in the east over the past five years.

IPSWICH Hospital's MRSA figures have stayed the most static of all hospitals' in the east over the past five years.

In 2006/07 the hospital had 51 cases of the superbug - just one less than in 2002/2003 and the equivalent of a 1.9per cent change.

Figures released by the government show it is the smallest percentage change of all health trusts in the region with others rising and falling more dramatically.

At Bedford Hospital there was a 42.1pc rise and at Papworth Hospital near Cambridge there was a 70.8pc fall.

In 2005/06 Ipswich Hospital saw a fall to 43, and between April and August this year there were only ten cases.

The hospital this year launched a major crackdown on infections including MRSA and Clostridium difficile (C-diff).

Bosses reduced visiting hours, started a deep-cleaning programme and launched a major hand-washing campaign.

Last month an anti-superbug isolation ward was also opened specifically to care for patients with C-diff.

Fighting infections is the hospital's number one clinical priority.

The figures for the eastern region were released after a request by Ann Keen, health services minister.

Last week it was revealed that Ipswich Hospital is lagging behind the rest of the country when it comes to fighting C-diff.

Data from the Health Protection Agency showed that nationally the number of cases of C-diff in hospitals had fallen between April 2006 and June this year, but the number of cases rose in the same period in Ipswich.

No one from Ipswich Hospital was available for comment.

Is enough being done to crackdown on superbugs at Suffolk's hospitals? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

Ipswich Hospital's MRSA cases

2002/03 - 52

2003/04 - 52

2004/05 - 51

2005/06 - 43

2006/07 - 51