SUPERBUGS are being zapped at the Royal Bolton Hospital - with the power of scent.

Bosses have installed two machines in the critical care ward at the hospital.

They use a blend of essential oils to reduce the amount of airborne MRSA bacteria.

Research is currently being carried out to determine the effect the machines have on another superbug, Clostridium difficile.

The "dry air" machines have been developed by Scent Technologies, a Wigan-based business founded by Roy Jackson, from Horwich. They will be at the hospital until the end of May while chiefs assess their impact.

Heather Edwards, head of communications at the Royal Bolton Hospital, said: "We were very interested to hear of Mr Jackson's idea and we have been trialling two on one of our wards.

"At the moment we don't know whether or not it has made a difference but we will be monitoring our rates of infection."

Superbugs have been linked to 43 deaths at the Royal Bolton Hospital in the last two years.

MRSA was mentioned on the death certificates of seven patients between January, 2006 and February, 2008, when Clostridium difficile was listed as a contributory factor in the deaths of a further 36 people at the hospital.

Separate statistics also reveal that hospital bosses are failing to meet Government superbug targets.

Between April, 2007 and January, 2008, there were 29 reported cases of MRSA. The Department of Health has set a target of just 16 for the year to this month. The dry air machines have already been trialled in the burns unit at Wythenshawe Hospital, where they reduced airborne bacteria by 90 per cent and are still in place.

A further 21 have been installed at the Manchester Royal Infirmary.

Mr Jackson, aged 66, of Lever Park Avenue, said: "I hope the machines are as successful at the Royal Bolton Hospital."

Originally, the scent machines were used to supply specific scents, such as cooked breakfasts and coffee, in Travelodge hotels.

The company carried out research with Manchester Metropolitan University and discovered a special mix, containing lemongrass, could slash bacteria.

Each machine costs £140 and the company provides full maintenance.