Matron is the job title of a very senior or the chief nurse in several countries, including the United Kingdom, and other Commonwealth countries and former colonies.
Matron Ethel Gray, seated left, with four of her nurses, 1915
Plaques listing Matrons of Manchester Royal Infirmary
Matron Ann Dolan introducing Aneurin Bevan, Minister of Health, on the first day of the National Health Service, 5th July 1948 at Park Hospital, nr Manchester .
Miss M B Powell (later Dame Muriel Powell) matron and member of the Committee on the Senior Nurse Structure
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is a registered trade union and professional body in the United Kingdom for those in the profession of nursing. It was founded in 1916 as the College of Nursing, receiving its royal charter in 1928. Queen Elizabeth II was the patron until her death in 2022. The majority of members are registered nurses; however student nurses and healthcare assistants are also members. There is also a category of membership, at a reduced cost, for retired people.
Coat of arms
RCN HQ, Cavendish Square London
Then-President of the RCN, Cecilia Anim, opening the RCN's West Midlands office in 2016
Previous RCN President, Andrea Spyropoulos, at the 2010 AGM
