WITH reference to the letter from Frank Lloyd, “No evidence of barrier nursing” (November 26), I would like to add the following information. A couple of years ago my aged father was admitted to Salford Hope Hospital with heart and kidney problems.

Before any visitor was admitted to the ward they had to wash their hands with hot soapy water, dry them and then use an alcohol rub on them. A nurse was stationed by the entrance to ensure this happened, and even if you popped out into the corridor for an extra chair you had to go through the procedure again.

My father recovered and returned home. Shortly after, he was admitted to the Royal Bolton Hospital where alcohol rub use is voluntary. He died shortly after and we were told that he had contracted MRSA whilst in the hospital. The MRSA did not kill him, but undoubtedly contributed to make the last days of this aged man very painful indeed.

I contacted the Royal Bolton Hospital and suggested that staff follow the example set at Hope Hospital. The person I spoke with said they didn’t have sufficient resources! Why can a hospital in Salford manage to find the resources and yet the Royal Bolton can’t?

It would seem to me that if the will is there to fight MRSA and related infections then the resources should be found.

Pam Livesey, Bryantsfield, Bolton