The number of people contracting MRSA-related infections in hospitals in the West Midlands hit an all-time low last month, it was revealed today.

Statistics published today show that cases are in single figures for the first time since monitoring began in 2001/2. There were nine cases in November, half the number in the same month in 2008 and health chiefs say cases have fallen by a third since April this year. The total number of West Midlands MRSA cases from April to November 2009 stood at 114.

This compares to 200 in the previous year, a drop of 43 per cent.

Steve Allen, Director of Performance, NHS West Midlands, said: “It is fantastic news that the NHS across the West Midlands is winning the battle against infection. Every member of staff has played their part in combating healthcare-associated infections and they should be congratulated for that. We are also extremely grateful to patients and visitors for their vigilance which has also helped in the fight against MRSA.

“Reducing the number of healthcare-associated infections in our hospitals and community sites continues to be a priority and we are committed to making our services a cleaner and safer place for everyone.”

He added: “While we are pleased with the progress we are making, we are determined to stamp it out even further and that is what we are working toward.”

He said the drop in cases had been the result of sustained efforts and different health organisations such as hospitals, councils and primary care trusts working together.

The Strategic Health Authority, which oversees health care in the region, has also provided training to help health chiefs understand the cause of the infections in a bid to cut cases. Since last year patients going into hospital for emergency or planned procedures have been having a simple check to determine whether MRSA is present.

If MRSA infection is found, it is treated before the patient is admitted.

Hospitals have also employed a range of methods to stamp out the bug. At Walsall Manor Hospital workers were told to don short-sleeved shirts, with all wrist jewellery forbidden. At New Cross in Wolverhampton workers have trialled different products to tackle superbugs.