THE ongoing battle against MRSA in East Lancashire hospitals is literally a matter of life and death. Just ask the family of David Short, who died from the infection in Queen's Park Hospital, Blackburn.

Chief executive Jo Cubbon has demonstrated a refreshing willingness to listen and act on what she is being told by the people on the ground, particularly patients and hospital visitors.

And the need for a creative and forward-thinking response to the problem is demonstrated by the fact that, although not rising, the number of MRSA cases in East Lancashire is still worryingly high.

Hence, the groundbreaking scheme where watchdogs are to pose as patients in East Lancashire's hospitals to ensure staff tackle the MRSA superbug by following infection control rules.

Mrs Cubbon announced the new measure as it was revealed that some doctors and nurses were still not washing their hands.

Any scheme which leads to a reduced risk of infection must be welcomed, although there is a danger that overworked and stressed medical staff will not be helped by the appearance of hospital visitors who are not really visiting anyone and patients who are not really ill.

But to be fair to staff, they appear to be willing to give anything a go if it will help.

Let us all hope the initiative works.