HEALTH bosses are to pinpoint the source of every case of MRSA In Bolton in a bid to beat the rising cases of infection from the superbug in the town.

Last year, there were 43 reported cases of MRSA at the Royal Bolton Hospital - the highest number ever - and a rise of ten on the previous year.

Every case of MRSA is to be determined, whether it was caught in the hospital or not. The results will be used to draw-up action plans aimed at reducing the risk of infection.

Graham Munslow, a public health specialist for Bolton Primary Care Trust, said: "This is about trying to identify which procedures put people at risk of contracting MRSA and what proportion of people contract it in the community or in hospital.If we can identify where the infection occurred we can do something about it."

Patients found to be infected with MRSA within 48 hours of being admitted to the Royal Bolton Hospital are investigated by health teams in the community, as it is most likely it was picked up there. But if a patient tests positive for MRSA more than 48 hours after being admitted, it is investigated by hospital staff.

Mr Munslow said: "This is bringing the issue of MRSA infection to the forefront of the clinical teams' attention and helping them appreciate the consequence of their actions."

The Royal Bolton Hospital has failed to meet Government targets of a maximum of 21 MRSA infections in 2006/2007.

Rates of Clostridium Difficile - another superbug, which causes severe diarrhoea - at the Royal Bolton Hospital are the second highest in Greater Manchester. There were 396 cases last year.

In an effort to combat the problem daily reports on MRSA outbreaks within the hospital are being given to every ward, matron and department manager to keep its progress in check and bosses received £300,000 to replace curtains with new ones that can kill superbugs.

Visiting times will also be restricted next month allowing bosses to monitor hand washing.