RECENTLY, two events have been drawn to my attention.

The first is the present danger from the superbug MRSA, especially in respect of people in a weak state in hospital or in homes for the elderly.

A few days ago, I visited an old friend in one of these residences and was asked to wash my hands in anti-bacterial solution to restrict the chance of infection; it is my understanding that this precaution is advised nationally and I was happy to comply.

The second event was, when I had occasion to draw cash from my bank and was given (as usual) a number of bank notes which were in a "dirty" condition, due to over-circulation, raising the question: where had these notes been before I had to handle them?

My memory took me back to my own experience as a bank cashier in the 1940s and 50s when all notes were separated into clean and soiled categories, the former fit for re-issue and the latter sent for incineration and exchanged for new notes. Notes were not allowed to be issued unless clean, and it is my belief that this restricted the possibility of infection.

It is yet another example of banks changing practices to increase profits, reducing the standard of service and increasing the risk of infection.I would be interested to hear readers views on this important subject.

DEREK RYDER,

Ainsworth Road, Bury.