After a break of almost 30 years, the matron is back at Whipps Cross Hospital, Leytonstone, in a bid to bring effiency and an authoratative presence to the wards.o

Twelve modern matrons more than in any other London trust will take to the wards in the coming weeks. This will rise to 16 by April.

Matrons have already been reintroduced on wards at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow.

Each of the Whipps Cross matrons, officially titled Head of Nursing for the department in which they work, will carry out duties similiar to those of the old-style matrons but brought up to date.

The health trust says the modern matrons have the skills and experience to work in the very different conditions that exist in today's NHS.

The matrons will be easily identifiable as they will be wearing a specially-designed new uniform.

Their responsibilities will include leading by example, making sure patients get quality care and good food, ensuring patients are treated with respect and improving wards for patients.

They will also resolve problems for patients and their relatives, preventing and controlling hospital-accquired infection and making sure clinical leadership within nursing is strengthened.

Trust chief executive Peter Coles said: "I'd like to welcome those among our Heads of Nursing who are new to the trust and wish them all the best in their new posts.

"These highly experienced and able nurses will help deliver better NHS services to the patients of Whipps Cross University Hospital as well as providing quality leadership to other staff."

The trust says that the new appointments will mean key frontline staff will now have clear authority to prevent and remedy the shortcomings or failings in nay services that contribute to patient care.