Vol. 568 No. 5
342 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of matron in charge in public hospitals; if the status of matrons has been run down in hospitals in recent years; if so, the reason therefor; the person who recommended the change; if subsequent evaluation of the decision took place; if the return to the previous status of matron is under consideration in any of the reports on the health service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16473/03]
The position of matrons of public hospitals was reviewed as part of the deliberations of the Commission of Nursing in 1998. The commission made recommendations on the responsibilities of senior nursing and midwifery management and that the designation "matron" be changed to that of "director of nursing".
The recommendations of the Commission of Nursing on directors of nursing were the subject of agreement between the employers and the Alliance of Nursing Unions in 1999. Arising from this agreement, job descriptions reflecting the recommendations of the Commission on Nursing were agreed. A copy of the agreed job description for directors of nursing will be forwarded separately to the Deputy.
The effect of this agreement was to refocus the attention of senior nurse management on strategic planning and professional leadership of nursing and midwifery. By this process the role and status of directors of nursing has been enhanced and expanded, and there are no plans to reverse this.
