More matrons to reduce infections

Leicester city hospitals trust employs 66 matrons

Leicester City Primary Care Trust has increased the number of matrons in its hospitals to 66 - a rise of about 21% in the past year.

They are responsible for improving standards of care, ensuring wards are clean and patients are properly fed.

The NHS has doubled the number of matrons in hospitals to raise the standards of cleanliness.

Concern over hospital infections prompted the action to improve the standards of care.

Head of nursing at Leicester General Hospital, Sue Mason, said: "The matrons are making a tremendous difference in terms of raising standards of quality and really improving patient experience.

"They have been fundamental to the standard of care that we have been delivering here in Leicester."

She said infection control and ward cleanliness were key issues. The matrons had helped in "reducing our incidents of hospital acquired infection and improving cleanliness."

Jackie Elton, a matron at the Leicester hospital, said 20 years ago the guidelines for cleanliness were clearer.

"What we need to do is get back that sense that it is important everybody cleans."