A BLACKBURN mother of two is getting ready to become a local hospital's first modern matron.

Elaine Leeson takes charge at Longridge Community Hospital later this month as the first of the new-style matrons for Preston Primary Care Trust.

Elaine, who lives in Salesbury, will be running the 15-bed hospital, which helps serve the 9,000 people who live in Longridge and its surrounding rural area.

The modern matrons are being reintroduced to the NHS to help run hospitals and wards after a 30-year absence. And they are a world away from the traditional image of matrons - hospital ward tyrants who ruled by fear.

However, Elaine, 46, says she has had plenty of digs about her new role and is having to rely on her sense of humour to take the comments on the chin.

She said: "I'm known for my sense of humour. In any case, humour is part of the healing process and helps you keep a sense of perspective. It's very important.

"However, on a serious note, people traditionally expect a lot from matrons, in terms of standards and good housekeeping.

"That's partly behind the concept of the modern matron and the reason behind its re-introduction.

"I suppose I'm like that in some ways, planning the efficient use of resources, running a tight ship and maintaining high standards of patient care.

"On the other hand, rather than being a fearful type of dictator on the ward, I want to create a much more patient-focused atmosphere.

"I also want our staff to feel valued and able to use their initiative where appropriate, and most definitely to develop as professionals.

"Matron may know best sometimes, but not all the time. The old rule of fear is not for us."

Elaine, a married mother of two boys, has spent the past 15 months as senior nurse at Longridge Hospital.

Before that the former Clitheroe Grammar School pupil was a midwife at Queen's Park Hospital, Blackburn.

After an absence of 30 years, the role of matron was reintroduced, with a modern, enhanced set of responsibilities, in the Government's 10-year NHS Plan.

The role is that of a 'one-stop-shop person' who can sort things out and make sure things are running properly on the wards.

This includes the little things - from making sure patients can get a daily newspaper to making more room space available in the day room, so that it can be more of a social centre for patients.

Matrons are already in place at Burnley General Hospital and Blackburn Royal Infirmary.