The number of cases of MRSA in the county's hospitals has fallen by more than half over the last two years.

Figures from the Health Protection Agency for April to June this year show a 57 per cent drop in the number of reported infections across Kent's four NHS trusts compared with the same period in 2006.

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust came out most favourably with a 66 per cent fall. The smallest drop (40 per cent) was in Medway, although the overall figures were low - six cases this year compared with 10 cases in 2006.

The reduction in MRSA cases has been attributed to the drive to "deep clean" all NHS hospitals.

Professor Peter Borriello of the HPA said: "The falls demonstrate the huge efforts being made by NHS staff. The next challenge will be to ensure that the downward trend continues and that we move to a position of zero tolerance."

Today, Prime Minister Gordon Brown sent a letter to all NHS staff praising a "tremendous achievement" that would protect its reputation as one of the country's greatest institutions.

He added: "No-one should be in any doubt that cuts in infections and safer hospitals are ultimately down to the hard-working staff of the NHS.

"All the measures we have taken have been designed to empower you and without you these huge improvements would not be possible."

Read the letter in full >>>