Addenbrooke's brings back matron

Senior clinical nurses will fill the 'matron' role

Matrons will be back on the wards at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge after an absence of 33 years.

The new matrons, in their distinctive black and red uniforms, will be known as senior clinical nurses.

They will have a highly visible role, ensuring the quality of patient care throughout the hospital.

Addenbrooke's Chief Nurse, Margaret Berry, said: "These new matrons will be out and about on the wards every day ensuring that standards of care, cleanliness and staff skills are at a level that meets the expectations of the patients.

Say the word 'matron' and we all tend to think of Hattie Jacques and the Carry On films. Things have moved on since then Margaret Berry, Addenbrooke's Hospital's Chief Nurse

"We feel that these modern matrons will give patients and their carers the reassurance that we are taking their needs seriously and putting our patients at the centre of all we do."

The role of the new modern matron has a number of similarities to the traditional matron, but it will not be quite the same.

"Say the word 'matron' and we all tend to think of Hattie Jacques and the Carry On films," added the Chief Nurse.

"Things have moved on since then and these new-look matrons will be heading up teams of ward staff who are highly skilled and do a tremendous job already.

"This is very much a partnership approach and our new matrons will be working with ward managers to raise the standards of care."

The first 25 modern matrons will get together at 1330 BST on Wednesday to officially begin their new role.