The matrons will be in charge at wards in community hospitals

The county's local health board is the first in Wales to re-introduce the post, which was phased out 30-years-ago.

Health planners say the move reflects public opinion, allowing patients and families to know who is in charge.

The Welsh Assembly Government will be monitoring the trial to see if other hospitals in Wales could benefit.

Patients and their families have been consulted and they clearly like the idea of having a matron in charge Paul Labourne

The new matrons will be responsible for setting standards of professionalism among staff and in hospital cleanliness.

The post was re-introduced in English hospitals two years ago.

Jackie Roberts, director of nursing at Powys, said "I am delighted that our efforts to develop clear nursing leadership has been rewarded with our request to recognise the seniority of these staff with the title matron.

"Powys LHB is the only national health service provider in Wales with nurses recognised as matrons and we recognise the value they add to the care, standard and running of our hospitals."

Decision making

Her deputy, Paul Labourne, said work developing the role of a senior nurse in community hospitals in Powys started in December.

"Patients and their families have been consulted and they clearly like the idea of having a matron in charge," he said.

"Each site has a senior nurse who is accountable for the standard of care provided for and this new title will ensure that patients and the public are able to clearly identify the senior member of staff."

The Royal College of Nursing says it welcomes the move as it allows patients to know that a nurse is in charge on the wards of making decisions about care and cleanliness.

But it wants to make sure that the man or woman in the post has real power so that it is not just a different title.

The Patients Association says that modern matrons, introduced in England two years ago, have mainly been a success, especially with regards their role of overseeing cleanliness

Shared lessons

But it says the role can vary in different hospitals.

A spokesman for the Welsh assembly government praised Powys LHB for its work in developing new initiatives to tackle issues facing the NHS.

"One of these initiatives is to test whether or not patients identify with the authority and leadership over nursing care that is associated with the traditional title of matron," he added.

"The role at the moment relates specifically to the community hospitals in Powys.