§ Mr. LordTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will now urgently reintroduce into all national health service hospitals, the title and traditional job specification of matron in order to improve the quality of nursing supervision.
§ Mr. SackvilleThere remains a key professional leadership role for a senior nurse in all national health service hospitals. The exact titles and job specifications of senior nurses are best decided locally. The title "matron" may be used if this is felt to be appropriate by local managers.
Every national health service trust is required to have a senior nurse as an executive director.