THE fight against killer superbug MRSA is being hampered by a severe shortage of hospital beds across Worcestershire.

New Government figures show that most of the county's hospital trusts are overusing beds, increasing the risk of patients being infected.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust - which runs the Worcestershire Royal Hospital, the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch and Kidderminster Hospital - has one of the highest bed occupancy rates in the country, with an average of 741 out of 780 - or 95 per cent - in use at all times in 2004/5.

The Department of Health's target occupancy rate is 85 per cent or below, a figure calculated to allow enough time to get hospital-acquired infections under control.

Hereford Hospitals was also above average, with a rate of 91.9 per cent, or 210 out of 229.

Health experts warn that overcrowded wards undermine efforts to combat hospital-acquired infections like MRSA.

NHS bosses are told to ensure there is always 15 per cent "spare capacity" to allow nurses and cleaning staff to thoroughly clean and keep superbugs at bay.

Liberal Democrat health spokesman Steve Webb, who uncovered the figures, said: "The Government makes much of its measures to fight hospital superbugs, but its own policies are making matters worse.

"Budget pressures mean that trusts are currently cutting beds, yet what is actually needed is more bed capacity in order to tackle superbugs."

John Rostill, chief executive of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said: "It is true that Worcestershire hospitals do have high occupancy rates and this is reflected in the clinical service/financial review plans announced last week.

"As far as cross-infection is concerned, the trust board has discussed this comprehensively and at its last meeting a number of actions recommended by Dr Chris Catchpole, director of infection prevention and control were agreed and are being implemented.

"We need to recognise that although agreeing the need to reduce MRSA, the target set by the Government is challenging. We exceeded the 20 per cent reduction required last year but obviously it becomes more difficult year on year."