It's bad news the Royal Sussex County Hospital is so low down the MRSA list but we all have a part to play in helping its improvement.

During the last nine months, the team there saved my life. By team I mean not only the doctors but also all the support staff - they all need our help and encouragement.

I've recently seen it from the inside and there are a number of issues to be addressed.

I was also treated at The Royal Marsden Hospital in Surrey, which is winning the MRSA battle and I have seen the differences.

Firstly, Brighton is no longer a resort town but a city, which attracts a diverse range of people from many different backgrounds with different values, codes of conduct and ethics.

The Royal Sussex has to deal with this population-related issue and we must accept we created the problem and must assist them in dealing with it.

Secondly, the rules regarding visitor cleanliness have to be tightened up.

No one should go on to a ward unless they have applied the special hand cleaner. Family or friends accompanying patients who are admitted via A&E should clean their hands - no excuses or claims of infringing human rights, they must just do it.

Thirdly, they should put in "MRSA busters" who have absolute authority to ensure everyone, from top consultants down to the cleaners, follow the cleanliness rules.

This team should be on duty 24 hours a day, should wear a special uniform and have absolute authority - no objections from managers, contractors or trade unions.

Fourthly, find a new home for the boxes of supplies which, in some areas, clutter corridors and corners so the cleaners can work properly. There should also be 45-degree sloping surfaces fitted to cupboards and window sills so there are no unseen places for dirt and germs to lurk.

Finally, we should praise the members of staff and departments as they begin to win the MRSA war.

There are many dedicated, hard-working people at the Royal Sussex, and most know their responsibilities in fighting MRSA. We must not dishearten them.

-Jim Hicks MBE, Lewes