A hospital trust is struggling to keep its MRSA rates under control.

Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust reported nine cases of the potentially fatal infection in its hospitals in February, four higher than its target of five.

This brings the total since last April to more than 90 cases, well above the yearly target of 64.

February's figure is a slight reduction on the 11 recorded in January and trust bosses are hopeful they will be able to keep the downward trend going .

Work on cutting infections has included updating uniform policy, which includes a ban on doctors wearing ties when dealing with patients.

Other efforts by the trust, which runs the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton and the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath among others, have included expanding the infection control team to check procedures for patients at risk.

Those who need drips, have had major operations, are in intensive care or receiving dialysis treatment are more vulnerable to infection.

Infection control experts are focusing on these patients, checking how drips and other equipment are inserted and removed to make sure there is no risk of cross-infection.

Visitors are also being urged to use disinfecting hand gels and staff are advised to use them when going from patient to patient.