We in the county are so lucky to have Dorset County Hospital with its wide range of dedicated staff to care for us.

The periodic recurrence of closing various wards because of infections is very regrettable but a wise precaution.

I have always believed that the problem could be greatly reduced if the use of hand gel at the entry points and within the hospital was enforced vigorously.

We could well take a lesson from the cruise ships.

At sea they have to be absoluutely 100 per cent diligent to minimise the risk of infections.

Passengers are refused entry to dining areas, unless they use the gel dispensers provided.

There was a case where one person refused to sanitise as it ‘infringed his human rights’ – he was escorted off the ship at the next port. Job done.

Until all staff and visitors comply willingly, this vital safeguard must be policed in a similar fashion.

COLIN SMITH, Wardcliffe Road, Weymouth