HOSPITALS are cleaner than ever thanks to the hard work of matrons in fighting infection says Worcester's MP following a surprise visit.

Mike Foster turned up unannounced at Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester at 1pm on Monday to look at what steps are being taken to keep hospitals free of infections like MRSA.

Mr Foster was shown around by the Director of Nursing Helen Blanchard and spent time with two of the hospital's matrons who showed the MP around their wards.

Mr Foster said he was particularly interested in the way matrons control what goes on in their wards, especially regarding cleaning and infection control.

He also spoke to patients and staff.

Mr Foster said: "I was impressed by the way the hospital is trying to tackle infections such as MRSA. It was clear that the senior management take the matter very seriously. But what was equally important, is how the nursing and medical staff are responding. It was reassuring to speak to matrons who know they have the power to close down wards, direct cleaning staff and, if needed, go direct to the chief executive."

Matrons also have the power to send cleaning teams back into the wards if more work is needed and alcohol gels is now used across various wards.

He also looked at patient screening for infections such as MRSA so that those who may be very vulnerable can be assessed early to see if isolation is needed.

The Worcester News was the first to find out that the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust was installing loud speakers in hospitals to remind nurses and other health professionals to wash their hands.

The money for the speakers at Worcestershire Royal, the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch and Kidderminster Hospital came from a £261,000 Government grant.

The trust has already missed its target of keeping cases of MRSA down to 12 in 2007/08 - there were 13 cases January and June although the targets are tighter than last year.