ALCOHOLIC SUPER-BUG WASH

Link: Mirror.co.uk

A HOSPITAL that introduced an alcohol-based handwash to fight MRSA was stunned to discover boozing patients were drinking the stuff. Staff noticed they were getting through an unusual amount of the special gel, which had been put in wards so people could clean their hands easily and prevent the spread of disease. But patients discovered another use for it. At 62 per cent alcohol, it seemed perfect for an afternoon tipple. A source at University Hospital Aintree, in Liverpool, said: "When we first put out the gel, the worry was that none of the patients or visitors would use it. "So when we kept having to replace the bottles, we were really pleased. "But then we noticed we were getting through it at a rate of knots - far more than we ever expected. We didn't know where it was going until one of the nurses noticed an old lady putting her tea cup underneath the pump and pressing it.