AN MP has claimed TV bosses have axed a programme that was due to show snooping reporters looking for the so-called "superbug" MRSA at a Worcester hospital.

City health chiefs last week lashed out after television reporters from ITV's Tonight with Trevor McDonald claimed they discovered the virus after taking swabs from door handles and lift buttons at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

The programme claimed tests revealed the potentially deadly hospital-acquired infection MRSA, but hospital chiefs dispute the reporters' findings and have called for the programme not to be screened.

Due to be aired on Monday

It was due to be aired nationally at 8pm last Monday, but then an ITV spokesman said it would be shown later this month instead.

In an adjournment debate in the House of Commons at Westminster Hall yesterday, Dr Phyllis Starkey, Labour MP for Milton Keynes, said a hospital in her constituency had also been targeted by the ITV team.

She then commended the channel for its decision to cancel the documentary after recognising proper techniques for detecting MRSA were not used.

However it is believed the broadcast will still go ahead on Monday, October 25 although programme makers were unavailable to confirm this as the Evening News went to press.