Clinicians in the classroom: the matron

The role of matron was introduced to give senior midwives and nurses the authority to get the basics right. Midwifery matrons’ responsibilities include providing professional leadership; ensuring that care provided on wards, in antenatal clinics and the delivery suite is high-quality and woman-centred; and handling any complaints that arise. Given the nature of this demanding role, matrons are not able to commit to facilitating student learning in the hospital environment; however, at the University of Northampton, pre-registration midwifery students in the third year of their programme have the privilege of attending sessions with a matron. Paula Briody, matron for intrapartum care at Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust, facilitates two sessions which give students the opportunity to learn about this key role in midwifery.