Matrons kept the wards of the hospital in order. You almost stood to attention when matron came onto the wards

Miss Aileen Gamble

Miss Gamble, 77, who trained at Leicester Royal lnfirmary during the Second World War, remembers her matrons as stern imposing figures, who could strike the fear of God into nurses who did not toe the line.

"Matron was a bit frightening and awe inspiring. You were almost frightened to death by her.

"Many of the nurses today look sloppy. That would never have been allowed under matron, if you had a hair showing under your cap you were sent back to sort it out.

"Matrons kept the wards of the hospital in order. You almost stood to attention when matron came onto the wards.

"Matrons were a good idea. Bring back matron."

Imposing figure

Ms Barsoum, 67, who trained at St. Thomas', London, during WW2, agreed that having a good matron was vital to a well running ward.

"They were so good. They made the effort to visit the patient and they remembered their names.

"They were very strict, but they were human. I am Egyptian and when the war broke out matron called me in each day to talk to me about how my family were doing and to check I was alright."

Ms Barsoum, who works as a volunteer at the Florence Nightingale Museum, St. Thomas' Hospital, said the imposing blue uniform set matron apart from the other nurses and made her easily identifiable to staff and patients.

"We respected the matron we all did. They were kind to us and it was one's own fault if one was called in to see matron about something one had done wrong.

"When the matron walked down the corridor everybody disappeared including the consultant. That was not because they were frightened of them, but because it was respectful.

"My matron was known as the dragon with a smile."

Ms Gamble said she felt today's nurses and hospitals would respond well to the iron rule of matron.

Miss Gamble at the start of her career

"It is a good idea to have a matron because nobody seems to be in charge or care.

"When people say the hospital toilets are dirty with toilet paper all over and water on the floor it takes a long time for anyone to clear it up.

"Under matron it would be done straight away.

"I think the modern-day nurses would appreciate it because you don't know who is in charge now."

She said patients would also benefit as the matron would ensure they she talked to them and they had help with their food if they needed it - particularly important she said for the elderly patients.