Handwashing is still key to reducing hospital infections

According to the Department of Health, there were just under 500 cases of MRSA recorded between 2001 and 2003.

The figures show that MRSA-related deaths in the province have doubled in the last five years.

MRSA (methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus) is just one of the infections patients can develop in hospital, but it is the focus of public, government and the health service because of its resistance to treatment.

Dr Peter Maguire, deputy chairman of the British Medical Association in Northern Ireland, said lack of cleanliness and hygiene were to blame.

DUP health spokesperson Iris Robinson said: "Following the recent National Audit Office report, I would like to see an equally extensive study conducted into hospital acquired infections in Northern Ireland.

"I would support the annual publishing of infection rates for each of the province's hospitals."

Sinn Fein health spokesperson John O'Dowd said: "I think we have to analysis how the current level of hospital infection was established.

"I would be concerned particularly at the levels of hospital cleanliness and hygiene and the monitoring practices and the standard of services that have been privatised."

Earlier this month, the government announced it was introducing further measures, such as bringing in overseas experts and publication of infection rates, in a bid to reduce rates.

The UK has one of the highest levels of hospital infections in Europe.

They are estimated to cost the NHS around �1 billion a year.

A National Audit Office report a fortnight ago warned that many doctors and nurses still fail to wash their hands between patients - even though this is thought to be the key factor in preventing the spread of infections between patients.

It said many staff still see the issue as a problem for infection control teams alone, and do not take responsibility for it themselves.

Meanwhile, patients have been warned that their "clutter" is helping fuel the growth of MRSA.

The British Cleaning Council said on Monday that luggage and belongings, plus the sheer number of visitors at each bed, was making wards harder to clean.

It says this leads to "slip-shod" hygiene standards in hospitals.

The BCC called for measures such as set visiting times and restrictions on how much patients can bring in to hospitals to be introduced.

Hygiene is one of the key factors in reducing infections.

The BCC said patients should recognise their own role in tackling hospital infections.