Clinical nursing rounds part 1: matrons' rounds

To improve patient care, involve patients more and to improve communication, clinical rounds are being re-introduced to the Dudley Group of Hospitals. This article describes matrons' rounds, which can provide senior nurses with the opportunity to achieve key aspects of their role. These include ensuring professional and clinical nursing standards, improving infection control and cleanliness by implementing "A Matrons' Charter: An Action Plan for Cleaner Hospitals" (Department of Health, 2004), being visible and having a high profile for patients, and sorting out their concerns and supporting nursing staff in the clinical areas. Later articles will cover the other rounds.