NHS online training to battle super bugs

The NHS has launched an online training tool for all health service staff, designed to raise awareness of the procedures needed to help reduce infections such as MRSA.

The training is made up of a three-part programme covering infection guidelines and principles. Staff can register for topics such as hand hygiene, protection, environmental cleanliness and disposal of waste and needles.

With scenarios to run through and an ongoing individual record of how much they have learned, the NHS said this will be a "vital tool" to get everyone in the health service focused on protecting staff and patients from avoidable infection.

Staff will also be able to print out key sections to distribute to their colleagues and check how well their part of the hospital is following the guidelines.

Chief nurse Christine Beasley said in a statement: "This innovative approach to training will mean hundreds and thousands of NHS staff can improve their knowledge of infection control and really help in driving down avoidable infections."