Machines 'ward off hospital bugs'

The units are said to be effective against MRSA and norovirus

A Somerset hospital has installed special "fresh air" machines to combat airborne bugs, odours and pollutants.

Clevedon hospital said it was proud never to have had a case of MRSA and was working to keep it that way.

Health bosses began testing the units last summer and has now put them in its wards and minor injuries department.

Matron Gwen Hobbs said: "We are pleased to reassure our community that we are working hard to protect the hospital and its patients from infection."

The machines are said to kill bacteria and viruses, but also remove the triggers that can cause some allergies and breathing difficulties.

The hospital said that research had shown them to be particularly effective against MRSA and norovirus.

The latter causes diarrhoea and vomiting and is a problem affecting many hospitals, particularly during the winter months.