Doctors at West Middlesex Hospital have warned patients that alcohol dispensers alone will not beat superbugs.

Shocking recent reports suggesting MRSA or Clostridium difficile killed more than 140 patients in just five years at the Isleworth hospital have prompted experts to wage war on the bugs - with old-fashioned handwashing.

Dr May Kyi, consultant microbiologist and director of infection prevention and control, said: "It's much harder to eradicate C. diff from the environment than MRSA because it can survive so much longer. The best way to stop it spreading is to ensure everyone washes their hands thoroughly after using the toilet."

As part of their cleanliness drive, hospital chiefs have placed posters above every sink showing the perfect hand-washing technique and staff have been given new-look uniforms with short sleeves and even microscopic particles of silver to inhibit the growth of bacteria.

They also face disciplinary action if they fail to attend regular updates on infection control.

Chief executive Tara Donnelly pointed out that C. diff is only lethal in about 30 per cent of cases and many of the 141 deaths recorded by the Department of Health would have been due to other causes.