His parents, Montrose couple David and Sam, are trying to get over the frightening experience of their son’s first few days.

It is an experience they, and many of the 33,000 Scots struck by the hospital-acquired infection, need not face, says an Angus chemist who claims he has a product that is proven to kill the superbug.

“Unofficial trials by chemists, microbiologists and doctors have all shown it to be completely effective, but I have been blocked at every turn in my attempts to get any Scottish hospitals to trial it,” said the Brechin-based chemist.

“They are concerned it has not gone through the full testing system. I can’t afford to get the tests done — I am not a Glaxo. Hospitals have their own microbiology departments and could do the testing themselves. They could use a tiny percentage of the money currently being given to them to combat MRSA. All they need to do is line up cultures in their own laboratories and treat them with this product.”

The product is a cleaner of surfaces rather than something that attacks and destroys the bugs.

The active ingredient is an organic alkali, little used because it is difficult to put into solution. The chemist has surmounted that problem, and by using the solution on surfaces, including the skin or an open wound, it removes all trace metals. Bacterial and fungal growth cannot occur without these trace metals to support them.

“It seems too simple, but it is wholly effective,” the chemist says.

“In January 2002 a patient in Glasgow Royal Infirmary was infected by MRSA and his condition reached a critical stage.

“The surgeon advised him of his position and suggested the use of the new product, which was not registered but which he believed gave him a chance. The patient rapidly recovered and was discharged.

“The Health Service officials in Glasgow were aware of this in late January 2002 and since then full microbiological testing has shown that it displays strong antibacterial activity against all forms of bugs.

“Grampian and Tayside NHS trusts are conducting trials on a new disinfectant from California. Why will they not trial this home-grown product?

“With so many people dying and millions of pounds being spent on trying to find a solution, why not undertake the trials I am calling for?”