I read Siobhan Ryan's report "Wards still struggle to deal with MRSA" (The Argus, January 5) with interest.

I was recently a patient in Amber Ward in Southlands Hospital following a knee replacement operation.

On each locker there was a container of hand gel and there was also one at the entrance to the ward.

When my family visited, they used these every time but some visitors had to be reminded, while I noticed other patient's visitors did not bother to use the gel at all.

The standard of hygiene in this ward, however, was excellent.

The floors were vacuumed then washed every day and the tables we used for our meals were also cleaned each day.

The bedding was changed daily. The lovely nurses working 12.5 hour shifts were always there ready to assist the patients, day and night.

I thought the meals were very good, considering the volume of food which has to be prepared.

There was a good choice each mealtime and the salads were always fresh.

Unless a very large notice could be placed at the entrance to each ward, to say, "Please use the hand gel provided to reduce MRSA infections," I don't know what else hospitals can do to make visitors aware they have a responsibility to patients who, more than likely, are their own family members.

Brenda Street
South Farm Road,
Worthing