AN Ipswich hospital has been singled out for praise in its battle against superbugs and infections.

AN Ipswich hospital has been singled out for praise in its battle against superbugs and infections.

The Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital in Foxhall Road has been granted a gold award for excellence in infection prevention.

The prize makes the site the top-achieving hospital within the whole of the national Nuffield group, which has hospitals throughout the country.

The award, presented at the Nuffield Health Annual Infection Prevention Awards, was based on a strict set of criteria including training, audit results and compliance, overall infection scores and initiatives.

Christopher Johnson, general manager at Ipswich, said: “Infection prevention is an area of critical importance to us. Success in maintaining low levels of infection is the result of the relentless efforts of every individual in the hospital.

“It was a great honour and pleasure to hear that our efforts have been recognised at the highest levels within Nuffield Health.”

Tracy Baxandall, infection prevention nurse, added: “We're thrilled to have won this award. It's a result of the hard work and dedication of all our staff.”

And Dr Andrew Jones, group medical director for the Nuffield Health group, said: “The Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital has always been at the forefront of high clinical standards, and this award recognises the exceptional achievements of their staff.”