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Professional issues
Deborah Oughtibridge examines the challenges of implementing the modern matron role and the specific benefits it will bring to children's services
KEY WORDS
Nursing: role
Children's nursing
Health policy
The 'modern matron' role was introduced by the current government in response to consultation with staff and public Recent evidence suggests that there are now almost 2000 matrons in post (Department of Health (DoH) 2002a). This article examines the modern matrons role in relation to childrens nurses and childrens nursing.
Background to role
The government introduced the modern matron role as part of its NHS reforms, with the requirement that by April 2002 NHS organisations had matrons in place who were `easily identifiable, highly visible, accessible and authoritative figures, each accountable for a group of wards (NHS Executive 2001). The role was first highlighted in the NHS Plan (DoH 2000a) as a key aspect of the governments modernising programme for the NHS and in response to the public's call to 'bring back matron. As Snell (2001) said at the announcement of the return of matrons: 'Matron will be back - by popular demand, the government tells us' (Snell 2001).
The role has dear links with the governments policy to drive up standards to ensure that the fundamentals of patient care are being met (NHS Executive 2001). This includes tackling standards of cleanliness through the NHS dean hospitals programme, improving the quality of hospital food and patient nutrition, and prevention and control of hospital acquired infection. The matrons role is also closely linked with the introduction of ward housekeepers and influencing the use of the ward environment budgets.
There are close links emphasised between matrons and the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). In addition patients and families will be encouraged to turn directly to the modem matron for assistance, advice and support (NHS Executive 2001). This suggests that she or he will be close to the patient, indeed `visible and accessible' (NHS Executive 2001). How this will be achieved in practice is uncertain given the scope and demands of the role.
There is potential conflict in the delivery of the modern matron role itself. Guidance so far emphasises the need to ensure that the fundamental aspects of care are...