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 | | Monday, 15 April, 2002, 15:45 GMT 16:45 UK Matrons appointed across NHS  Matrons are taking on new powers Almost 2,000 modern matrons are now working in the NHS, the government has announced. The post of matron was reintroduced by Health Secretary Alan Milburn after a 30-year absence. The aim is to raise standards by putting nurses firmly in charge on hospital wards. Matrons will have responsibility for standards of care, ward cleanliness and ensuring that patients are properly fed. They will also have the power to take action if the standards are not met and will also ensure that patients are treated with respect. The NHS Plan, published in July 2000, promised that 2,000 matrons would be appointed by 2004. But ministers announced on Monday that target had almost been reached already. So far 1,895 posts have been created. Nurse support The Royal College of Nursing said it was a "positive initiative" - but warned it must be backed up by proper funding.
"The RCN believes that the modern matron is a positive initiative but we need to make sure that the role is properly resourced to create the level of change that is really needed." Health Minister John Hutton said: "Not only have we brought matrons back, but their role has been modernised to better reflect the NHS of the 21st century. "These reforms are liberating the skills of nurses to transform services for patients, and matrons have a key role in ensuring that hospitals are making the best use of their talented nurses." Top earning matrons will earn �36,988. The government's chief nursing officer Sarah Mullally said the introduction of matrons had reinvigorated nursing leadership at local level. She said: "Bringing back matron is promising to be a huge success. There is clear enthusiasm for this role among both staff and patients. "Morale has improved because nurses are able to regain control of the patient environment, monitor and improve standards and deliver care in keeping with traditional professional values." | | See also:  Internet links: The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Top Health stories now:  Links to more Health stories are at the foot of the page. | |||||||||||||||||
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