Scotland secures matrons for the 21st century

Senior charge nurses throughout Scotland will in future have the same responsibility for ward hygiene as matrons used to have.

Their new responsibilities - set in the context of a 21st century environment - will be critical in enforcing vital hygiene standards, and helping to tackle healthcare associated infections as one part of their expanded leadership role.

That was the message from Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon as she spoke to senior charge nurses about the implementation phase of Scotland's Senior Charge Nurse framework, on Tuesday.

By the end of 2010, all senior charge nurses in NHS Scotland hospitals will be working within the context of the framework.

The four key aspects of the role will be:

* Ensuring safe and effective clinical practice

* Enhancing the patient experience

* Managing and developing their teams

* Contributing to the delivery of performance targets

A key component of the new role is the responsibility for 'signing off' on a daily basis, cleaning and hygiene standards in their wards.

"It's crucial that the public have confidence in their NHS and know that they're going to get the best possible care if they need hospital treatment. That's why we must tackle the problem of HAIs and the revamped senior charge nurse role is a key part of this," said Ms. Sturgeon, announcing the move.

"In some respects this is about going back to the future as senior charge nurses will have the same responsibility for ward hygiene as matrons used to have - set in the context of a 21st century environment.

"Throughout Scotland, senior charge nurses will ensure everyone receives the highest possible standards of care on their ward. This will strengthen their ability to be the guardians of quality and clinical standards for the patients under their care.

"Maintaining the safety and cleanliness will be one of the key aspects of this role. Leading by example, they will ensure that staff, patients and visitors follow hygiene rules as part of our continuing drive to improve cleanliness and prevent the spread of infection."

Commenting on the announcement, RCN Scotland Director Theresa Fyffe said:

"RCN Scotland is delighted that the Government is acknowledging and promoting the pivotal role of the senior charge nurse in delivering patient-centred care in Scotland today.

"In their leadership role, senior charge nurses can help reduce the rate of healthcare-associated infections and ensure safe and effective clinical practices on wards. If the implementation phase of the senior charge nurse framework is rolled out and supported appropriately by all health boards, it will make a huge difference to everyone's experience of healthcare.

"RCN Scotland will be working in partnership with the Scottish Government and NHS boards over the next two years, to ensure that senior charge nurses get all the support they need to make their vital leadership role a success, for the benefit of all patients."

Delivering Care, Enabling Health - which outlined the nursing, midwifery and allied health professional contribution to delivery health services - made a commitment to review the role of the senior charge nurse. There were concerns that the roles varied in scope in different hospitals and areas. Consequently, the role was regarded as a less attractive career option which resulted in recruitment and retention difficulties.

Currently, there are inconsistencies within the NHS about the responsibilities of the ward sister or senior charge nurse. But this framework will ensure that, by the end of 2010, all senior charge nurses throughout Scotland will provide the same high level of leadership.

The Scottish Government is investing £54 million (over three years) in a range of initiatives designed to tackle HAIs.

16th October 2008