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The 'Modern Matron' is one of the prominent nursing roles to emerge from the NHS Plan. The underpinning principle is to have a professional leader who is accountable for co-ordinating safe, high-quality care to improve patients' NHS experience. This paper discusses findings from a study of the implementation of the Modern Matron role in an acute NHS Trust in the East of England. The theoretical framework of 'limiting harm' was used to assess the extent to which the Modern Matron could contribute towards safe effective care and the reduction of harm. The study found that error-prone situations were clearly identified and that the Matrons were perceived to have a positive impact on a range of clinical issues. The evidence from this small study suggests that the Modern Matron role has the potential to make a positive contribution to patient safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores some of the potential risk areas that exist at the interface between hospital care and general practice care in Great Britain. The work done in general practice and work done in hospitals during the early decades of the National Health Service is described. Commentators said that adverse clinical events result from poor communication. Suggestions that might reduce adverse outcomes are provided.