Bees take on the superbugs!

Scientists from the University of Wales Institute Cardiff have recently discovered that Manuka honey may be the key to fighting some of the strongest infections that are resistant to even the most powerful of antibiotics - This is one piece of research that is bound to cause a buzz.

Honey has traditionally been used in medicine for hundreds of years and is known for its healing properties. It has even been used in modern practise to heal wounds and treat infections. So it is no wonder that leading scientists have been keen to research its medical healing properties further. But it is Manuka honey, formed by bee's foraging on Manuka trees in New Zealand, that has proved most effective when it come to fighting stubborn infections encountered in our hospitals.

The outcome of an in-depth investigation on streptococci and pseudomonads (two nasty types of bacteria) has show that Manuka honey can actually prevent the bacteria from developing its defences and becoming immune to antibiotics, causing further infection.

Professor Rose Cooper, who led the study, claims that the honey can help make the deadly superbug MRSA more sensitive to antibiotics. This is great news, as until now there has been no evident breakthrough in the treatment of such superbugs. Hospital stays could be a lot less stressful for patients and provide staff with the peace of mind of knowing that a treatment could be recommended if such an infection does transpire. In addition hundreds of hospital stays could be reduced allowing NHS resources to be used more efficiently in the future.

Medicash's health plans can also provide extra comfort by allowing members to claim cash back for stays in hospital of more than one night, for daycase appointments, or if a parent needs to stay with their child who is in hospital.

* Medicash hospital terms and conditions

1. Inpatient - Medicash cover you for treatment when you are hospitalised overnight for medical treatment or a continuation of medical care. We do not cover the first night or single night stays.
2. Parental stay - Medicash cover you when one adult covered by the plan stays with their child under the age of twelve when they are admitted as an inpatient. We do not cover the first night or single night stays.
3. Hospital daycase - Medicash cover any daycase admission to a hospital or recognised medical centre to attend an appointment for diagnosis, treatment, investigation or minor surgery. Your attendance must be pre-planned with no intended overnight stay.
4. Please note that hospital benefits are not included on all Medicash health plans.