Oh matron, you're back on the wards

More than 20 senior nurses, midwives and managers have taken on the new role -- reintroduced at the Royal Bolton Hospital after 30 years.

The team will be known as "senior nurses" and will fulfil a much more dynamic role than the bossy image created by actress Hattie Jacques in the Carry On films.

The matrons, who moved onto the wards for the first time last week, have already been warmly welcomed by patients happy to see such a clearly visible leader on the ward.

Other nursing staff are also confident that the return of the matron will make their lives easier.

Hospital chiefs still have to decide on a new clearly visible uniform for the matrons and want their return to be a transitional affair.

Louise Hilton, who has worked at the hospital for the last 18 months in the role of Head of Speciality (Diabetes), said: "We all feel very positive about this new responsibility.

"I've had a good reaction from patients because so many of them remember the days of matrons."

Suzanne Lomax, who joined the hospital in 1987 and was Stroke Co-ordinator before taking over the new post, said: "We're all behind anything that improves patient care.

"The word matron was a difficult one because it immediately suggests power and we wanted something that had 'nurse' in the name."

Sue Reed, head of nursing at the hospital, said: "We are very fortunate at this hospital to have such a talented team of nurses.

"We are keen to make sure that the new role does not become a burden and does not cause conflicts, but we will be continually evaluating the role and hope it will evolve with time."