Improving hygiene levels in hospitals is essential to make sure patients do not leave more ill than they were on arrival.

Figures released last week show deaths of patients from superbugs in hospitals serving Hertsmere rose dramatically between 2002 and 2006. The seemingly nonchalant approach of the hospital trusts - one stating that there had been "just three" deaths in the first quarter of 2008 - is less than reassuring.Lowering the number of deaths of patients is commendable, but should not be a point that trusts consider as any kind of achievement.They must take their role seriously in order to eradicate infection.