Inspectors paid two unannounced visits to Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham, and St Mary's Hospital, Milton, Portsmouth, in June.

They found the right measures were in place to deal with superbugs such as MRSA and clostridium difficile. And isolation facilities to cut the risk of infections spreading were 'suitable and adequate'.

Graeme Zaki, medical director at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, said measures put in place had dramatically cut superbug levels.

'There has been a very significant reduction in the rates of MRSA, which are down 58 per cent, and clostridium difficile, which are down by 30 per cent,' he said.

'However, we are not complacent and have set ourselves even higher standards.

'We are now looking to cut MRSA by a further 10 per cent and clostridium difficile by 15 per cent, and we are on target to achieve this.'

The checks were carried out by the Healthcare Commission to ensure all NHS trusts comply with the strict Hygiene Code.

Inspectors found that staff were properly trained in infection prevention and that there was adequate alcohol gel in clinical areas.

They also said that equipment was mainly kept clean and in good condition.

Staff comply with the trust's dress code and adequate arrangements are in place for decontaminating equipment, the report said.

And measures to minimise the risk of transferring infections when patients are moved between departments were also appropriate.

But the trust failed to publicly display cleaning schedules in all areas.

Managers now have six months to ensure the documents – which include details on standards of cleanliness required and cleaning procedures – are on display in all clinical areas.

Mr Zaki said: 'I would like to thank our staff, our colleagues in primary care and the community for the huge efforts and engagement on this important agenda.'