Screening for MRSA of patients and staff in Christchurch Hospital's surgical ward has shown no new cases of patient infection. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of Staphylococcus aureus that has become resistant to many of the antibiotics commonly used to treat an infection.

Earlier this week five patients from the ward tested positive for the infection. However, negative results from further testing, increased infection control precautions and intensive cleaning procedures have enabled the hospital to reopen the surgical ward.

Christchurch Hospital's Interim General Manager Ruth Barclay said "Our infection control team and surgical ward staff have worked very hard to enable us to reopen the ward. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and remind patients and visitors to the hospital of the importance of good handwashing."