GETTING hospital-acquired infections under control continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing the NHS.

ST GEORGE'S Hospital in Tooting wants to restrict the number of visitors to patients in its care and the times they can visit. This is to help curb the spread of germs the hospital's record in controlling infection has been found wanting. It will also make the management of mealtimes much easier.

By JAMES HARPER A CASH-strapped hospital is under fire after telling doctors and nurses to clock in and out of work to cut overtime. St George's Hospital - pounds 50million in the red - has spent pounds 500,000 on computer hand scanners to check up on the hours carried out by staff.

By Baker, Simon HOSPITAL by Toby Litt Hamish Hamilton, 14.99, pp.

By Nigel Summerley Shock Number One came when I went for the ultrasound scan. Four weeks before that, I'd gone to my GP because I had a vague discomfort in the area of my right testicle. She'd examined it and sent me off to my local hospital to arrange a scan.