A DAY of action to raise awareness of a powerful infection has been held by staff at the trust that runs Morecambe Bay's hospitals.

Medics on the infection prevention team have also handed out advice as part of World MRSA Day, run by the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT).

MRSA - or meticillin-resistant staphylococcus aureusis - is a bacterial infection commonly found in hospitals which is resistant to a number of widely-used antibiotics.

“Days such as this are a reminder to us all of our own personal and professional responsibility that we have in providing clean safe care and contributing towards reducing avoidable healthcare associated infections," said matron for infection prevention, Angela Richards.

“Staff can contribute towards this reduction by being bare below the elbow and employing the seven-stage hand washing procedure.

"In addition, they can remind visitors to clinical areas of the importance of hand hygiene on entrance and exit.

"UHMBT is committed to providing clean safe care to patients and can only do this with the commitment and support of healthcare staff.”

The day of action saw staff set up market stalls outside the restaurants at Furness General Hospital and Royal Lancaster Infirmary, handing out information to staff and visitors about MRSA.

The bacteria that causes MRSA infections is often carried on the skin and inside the nostrils and throat.

It can cause mild infections of the skin such as boils and impetigo.

However, if it gets into a break in the skin it can cause life-threatening infections, such as blood poisoning or infection of the inner lining of the heart.