INFECTION rates at a hospital were at their highest last month and nearly equal the number recorded so far this year.

There were 10 Clostridium difficile infections reported last month (June) at the Princess Royal University Hospital, Farnborough, which is almost half the number reported to date this year.

Most of the reported infections, which brings the total to 21, occured in the first half of June.

There was just one case of MRSA reported in the same month which brings the number for the year to date to three.

Bromley Hospitals' NHS Trust says it is still performing within the national targets set this year for hospital acquired infections, which is 12 for MRSA and 120 for C Difficile.

In February the trust was told to improve its infection control practices following an inspection by the Healthcare Commission, which uncovered blood-smeared walls and dirty beds.