The number of serious infections in Belfast hospitals reduced by 30% over the last two years, it has been revealed.

MRSA and C difficile cases fell because of measures to prevent their spread, the Belfast Health Trust said.

The trust's medical director Dr Tony Stevens said: “We have introduced a number of measures and made sure they are implemented and monitored.

“Staff throughout all our hospitals have been at the forefront of the battle against infection.

“The contribution they have made has helped to achieve this substantial progress.”

There are significant successes in preventing post-operation infections. Measures included rapid isolation of patients suspected of having C diff. and enhanced cleaning programmes.

Monitoring of hand hygiene and revised guidance for doctors on prescribing antibiotics were also credited with the improvement.

Dr Stevens added Belfast hospitals infection prevention and control levels compared well against hospitals across the UK.