The damaging effects of MRSA

Officials are considering the move after the success of a pilot programme for orthopaedic patients at the hospital near Truro.

Only one patient has suffered a joint infection in the last six months.

Senior members of the medical profession around the country are trying to establish methods of controlling super bugs, such as MRSA.

'Worth it'

The number of deaths caused by the skin disease has doubled in four years, official statistics show.

The Office for National Statistics said MRSA was mentioned on 955 death certificates in 2003 - up from 487 in 1999.

However, latest figures released on Monday showed MRSA infection rates at their lowest since recording began.

The Royal Cornwall Hospital is looking at the option of screening non-emergency surgery patients with a swab at a pre-assessment clinic.

Results take a few days and if they are positive, the patient is treated with eradication therapy of ointments or nasal preparations until they are cleared for the surgery.

Hospital spokeswoman Sue Wolstenholme told BBC News: "It will be expensive, but the staff think it will be worth it because it will be cheaper in the long run.

"It is also good for the hospital because people tend to think that MRSA only lives in hospitals, but it also comes into hospitals from the community, like the Norwalk virus.

"This way we can try to stop it coming in and the patients will be fitter for their operations."