Winter illness helps spread deadly bug in hospitals

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The number of patients contracting the stomach bug is increasing as the winter sickness season takes hold.

Superbug czar Colin Ovington said trusts are fighting to control the seasonal jump and warned visitors to clean their hands.

Cases are likely to soar to over 600 a month. Last year more than 1,800 people were hit between January and March.

He said: "We are seeing an increase in infections already. We are keeping a very close eye on it."

There are fears this year's Norovirus outbreaks could aggravate the problem.

Mr Ovington said early data indicate bugs are not yet climbing as steeply as last winter but he urged NHS staff not to take their eye off the ball.

Health Secretary Alan Johnson yesterday ordered doctors to stop prescribing antibiotics for colds and flu.

The over-use of prescriptions has helped spread MRSA - which has become resistant - and boosted C. difficile by stripping out protective bacteria in the gut.

Meanwhile at least half of the city's health trusts have begun a deep-cleaning programme ordered by prime minister Gordon Brown. London is spending £10million on the policy.