MOST Merseyside hospitals have reduced their superbug rates, according to new figures.

Health Protection Agency data published yesterday for January to March 2009 reveals cases of C difficile have dropped by 57% at the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen hospitals, compared with the same period last year.

MRSA rates at the hospital have also decreased, from 16 cases to six during the same period.

Arrowe Park hospital’s C diff rates are down from 144 to 80 during the same period and at Whiston and St Helens hospitals cases dropped from 129 to 87.

University Hospitals Aintree saw an increase from 91 to 147.

But a spokesman said it was a snapshot in time, and that rates have dropped since March at the hospital, with 29 cases reported between April and May.

The Trust is working hard to lower rates further, he added.

MRSA rates at Whiston and St Helens dropped to four between January and March from seven last year, and Aintree’s decreased by one case, from seven to six.