John Reid has unveiled a new government strategy to tackle the growing menace of the NHS superbug.

Under the plans, experts from countries that have successfully dealt with the MRSA superbug are to be brought in to help the National Health Service deal with the problem.

The health secretary said he would also force hospitals to publish their infection rates as part of the strategy to improve cleanliness.

Around 100,000 patients pick up an infection in hospital every year and it is estimated that 5,000 die from a hospital-acquired illness.