Airedale Hospital is taking part in a deep clean, which began this week as part of a national programme to keep hospitals safe and hygienic.

The ten-week programme of intensive cleaning - which will see each ward and patient bay receive expert attention - will take until the end of March to complete.

A spokeswoman for the hospital said Airedale already had a good reputation for cleanliness.

She said: "Last year, chief executive Adam Cairns unveiled plans for a major focus on infection control.

"That work is already seeing results - as infection rates are falling, hand hygiene improving and new investments are being made in patient equipment to help stop the spread of infection in high-risk patients."

Bridget Fletcher, director of nursing at Airedale NHS Trust, said: "Cleanliness is very important to our patients and we are absolutely committed to reducing infection rates and making our hospital a safe, clean place to be cared for.

"Tackling infection and hygiene is a major focus this year, so is an absolute priority for all our staff. We are already seeing infection rates in our patients fall and this is clear evidence of this hard work."