OOH er matron - they're back on the wards of Southampton General Hospital after an absence of 30 years.

But far from being a fearsome character from a Carry-On film, the so-called modern matrons are keen to be seen as a friendly face on the ward caring for the patients and the staff who look after them.

As well as ensuring the wards run as efficiently as possible in terms of sending patients home when they are ready and freeing beds for those in need, modern matrons are very hands on.

In their distinctive purple uniforms, which once again include the ornate silver buckles favoured years ago, they aim to be highly visible and accessible to patients.

As well as leading by example in improving clinical care, the matrons have responsibility for getting the basics right - such as clean wards and good quality food.

Better nutrition helps patients to recover more quickly and reduces the likelihood of developing bed sores.

Modern matrons are at the heart of the city hospital's drive to improve the overall patient experience, ensuring an individual's stay in hospital is made as comfortable as possible.

Judy Gillow, director of nursing at SUHT (Southampton University Hospitals Trust), said: "We want to make sure our patients receive an experience that not only meets, but exceeds, their needs and expectations.

"By getting the basics right, we can make our hospitals cleaner, more comfortable, friendlier places, where patients feel confident all the way through their clinical journey.

"Our modern matrons have a crucial role to play in putting the patient first in all that we do. Already, they are making a big difference in dozens of important ways across the hospital and have been warmly received, both among patients and staff."

The modern matrons have the official title of senior nurse patient experience, emphasising the fact that their role is centred on the patient.

Today the Trust launches its Patient Experience Strategy, a two-year improvement plan setting out how ALL hospital staff have a role to play in providing the best possible care.

The initiative recognises how everything from a welcoming smile to a tidy ward can make a huge difference to a patient or carer's time spent in the hospital.

Across the Trust, a wide range of patient services are being scrutinised and improved, including patient information, spiritual and religious care and bereavement support.