Top doctor to lead superbug fight

A 12-month plan aims to tackle infections such as MRSA

A new superbug "tsar" has been appointed in Liverpool to stamp out hospital infections like MRSA.

Dr Godfrey Smith of the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust has been appointed head doctor for the prevention of infections.

It is part of a new drive by the Trust and includes a special 12-month plan to beat infection.

Dr Smith, a consultant microbiologist, promised the Trust will get "tougher" on hospital infections.

Working with the Trust's Infection Control Team, Dr Smith has spent the past two weeks looking at what needs to be done.

His plan includes a more effective management of procedures like inserting and looking after intravenous lines - the single biggest source of infection.

Dr Smith said: "There is no reason why we cannot become one of the top ten performing hospitals in the country for preventing and reducing hospital-acquired infection.

"But that will mean taking a hard line and we are not going to be afraid of making difficult decisions to get there."

Dr Smith suggested purchasing better quality hand towels and getting old curtains replaced.

He has promised that there will be an extra investment of almost £500,000 over the next 12 months.

He has also encouraged patients and visitors to help in the fight against infection by using the alcohol gel to kill germs on their hands.