THE news that East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust appears to be winning the fight against spreading infectious diseases on its wards is great news.

MRSA and C-Dif may look like a collection of random letters but in the past they have both been four letter words to cause panic in anyone due to go into hospital for even the most routine procedure.

But now, through stringent measures, the trust has drastically reduced the number of cases of infection from these horrible bacteria.

Simple things like getting patients and staff to use hand gels on the wards appears to have done the trick - but everyone must not get too complacent or the issue will return.

Equally impressive as the reduction in infections is the fact that the trust has made these figures so readily available.

Health bosses promised to be more open and honest and this is exactly what they have been.

No-one doubts the commitment, skill levels and sheer hard work put in by staff at our hospitals. And now by being more open with the public with regard to facts and figures, health bosses can demonstrate the steps - and effectiveness - of measures they are bringing in.

Long may it continue.