ADVICE on preventing the spread of infection in hospitals was being given out at a roadshow at Fairfield Hospital this week.

The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust new hand hygiene policy is in response to up to 5,000 deaths of hospital patients caused by the superbug MSRA.

Infection control nurse Sylvia Maxfield said: "Hand washing is the single most important means of prevention. It is essential that every member of staff, patients and visitors carry out good hand washing practice."

Staff will be trained in effective hand washing techniques and hand decontamination alcohol gels will be introduced to be used by patients and visitors.