SHE'S back, with a familiar title but without the frilly hat! Matron is on duty again in the wards of Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

But her new image is far from that of the corridor-stalking, booming-voiced, big-bosomed Hattie Jacques of Carry On fame, who terrorised staff and patients alike.

Kathy Fraser, 34, is the first new thoroughly modern matron to be appointed for the Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Hospitals NHS Trust.

And as the first matron to pound the wards of Victoria for more than 35 years, Kathy will support the critically ill and is hoping that patients will soon notice a real difference.

"It's about making sure that patients are well fed and the wards are clean, plus having the power to deal directly with the caterers and domestics if those high standards are not met," she says.

Kathy, from Blackpool, has previously worked at the Vic and at St Mary's Hospital in London, and says she is delighted and excited about her new role.

"The feedback from staff and patients has been very positive. As part of my daily routine I will be speaking to all of the patients and relatives to make sure that they are happy with the care that they are receiving to ensure that what is a very stressful time is a positive experience for them."

Kathy is also keen to develop good working relationships with ward staff and to strengthen the role of nurses in the healthcare team.

The introduction of modern matrons is just one of a number of initiatives intended to improve patient care which the Trust launched during NHS Week, July 1 - July 5.