So much is said and written about the financial side of healthcare that the issue of hygiene in hospitals is rarely discussed.

That has changed in recent weeks with news of a significant outbreak of a serious infection at the John Radcliffe intensive care unit, together with the statistics we report today.

We do not want to create unnecessary worry for those faced with a hospital stay. An individual's chances of catching a nasty bug while a patient remains low.

But we are concerned that the record of our hospitals in combating MRSA is comparatively poor.

Patients need to know that every care is being taken to protect them.

Now the Government has decided tougher measures are needed nationwide. We hope they are embraced by Oxfordshire's health workers too.