NHS

The Royal Cornwall Hospital at Treliske in Truro is in the top 20 per cent of acute trusts for hand hygeine, according to the health watchdog.

Staff at at the hospital have some of the best hand washing facilities in the country. 

A national survey of NHS workers in 2008, published today, shows that over 80 per cent of staff at Treliske have access to hot water, soap and paper towels or alcohol rubs whenever they need them.

Cases of C-Diff in the South West's hospitals have fallen by over one third in the last eight months.

The latest figures show that the region is performing far better then expected.

The NHS report shows that there were 276 confirmed infections of Clostridium Difficile in December against a target of 411.

The disease is caused by an imbalance of bacteria within the gut and symptoms include diarrhoea and fever. The elderly at most at risk of the infection with 80% of cases occurring in the over 65.

Superbug

Schools in Cornwall are tacking the couch potato culture which is crippling the local NHS.

The latest Department of Health figures show that treatment for health conditions related to inactivity is costing the Cornish NHS £7m.

But schools in Cornwall insist they are doing all they can to get children exercising and keep them active for life.

Adam Hayward, PE teacher for Fowey Community college, said: "Schools are offering as many different activities as possible, to allow the children to find something they enjoy.”

Adam Hayward on getting kids to enjoy activities.mp3