Kingston Hospital has denied that its MRSA rates were reduced by cutting the number of blood tests, after accusations from the BBC.

A source leaked an internal memo which reportedly told staff to question the need for blood samples to be taken.

The source alleged that Kingston Hospital was "massaging" its MRSA rates by trying to encourage cutting blood test numbers, therefore not picking up as many cases.

In a statement, the hospital denied it was reducing the number of blood tests to cut MRSA rates and said it carried out 150 tests a week, more than other hospitals of a similar size.

Helen Dirilen, director of nursing and quality for Kingston Hospital NHS Trust, said: "As part of good practice, a memo was sent to all clinical staff last week to remind them of the correct procedures and indications for the collection of blood culture samples from patients.

"The aim is to ensure patient safety and to try to prevent contamination of blood culture samples."

The hosptial has recently reported a 36 per cent drop in MRSA infection rates, but still missed its Foundation Trust application target by one case, meaning the application was deferred.

It comes as Kingston Primary Care Trust revealed at its public board meeting on Monday that staff were not routinely screened for MRSA.

Legislation means selected patients will be screened for MRSA come April this year but there was no provsison for staff.