THE role of matron has been revived at two south Durham hospitals to improve standards in everything from cleanliness to patient care.

Durham Dales Primary Care Trust has appointed two matrons to run Barnard Castle's Richardson Hospital and Weardale Community Hospital in Stanhope.

The move is in line with a Government scheme to reintroduce 1,600 to 2,000 matrons nationally, after a survey of public views on the NHS showed people wanted more visible leadership on the wards and better support for nurses.

After only ten weeks in charge, Nicola Wharton and Julie Walton have started to give the hospitals strong leadership in clinical care, staff development and outside contracts.

Both are determined to dispel the stereotypical image many people still have of strict matrons prowling the wards in starched aprons - an image immortalised by Hattie Jacques in the Carry On films.

"We have moved on considerably from the days of shouting down the wards. Instead we hope to empower nurses so the patients benefit from their skills," said Sister Wharton.

"We are both experienced district nurses so we know what is needed to improve things from the patients' and the hospital staff's point of view."

One of the main tasks facing Sister Wharton is to oversee the £4.8m modernisation of the 62-bed Richardson Hospital into a community hospital for all ages.

She said: "For years people in Teesdale have seen the Richardson as a nursing home for the elderly, which is not the case, and I want people to realise that.

"We will deal with contracts of other care service providers, like occupational therapists and chiropodists. I hope that the Richardson can offer these services more regularly, so people from the Dales do not have to travel to Bishop Auckland or Darlington hospitals for check-ups and minor treatments."

The £1m 20-bed Weardale Community Hospital opened last year, replacing the Victorian Horn Hall Hospital.

Sister Walton said: "We have a beautiful new hospital with a great environment, now we need to make sure the services are the best possible.

"There are some excellent staff, whose potential is not being fully explored.

"I hope to be able to identify ways to enhance their careers, which will obviously benefit patients."