YOUR article praising the role of the old matrons was so truthful and perceptive (June 6). Many national health problems arose when the NHS converted to the new system of hierarchy, implementing nursing officers.

The foundation of nursing evolved from the nuns in the monasteries administering to the sick. The kingpin was the abbess. Matron was comparable to a ship's captain school headmaster. They were highly respected, held and in awe by fellow teamworkers/employees. The whole of the hospital was accountable to matron and she remained as aloof as her rank required. Even consultants respected the matron's great wisdom and spoke with her on equal terms. Could you see that today with our nursing officers?

Like all junior nurses the matron started from the bottom, cleaning out ward fire grates and commodes etc. She achieved her status throughhard work, devotion and dedication.

The greatest matron ever was Florence Nightingale.

Everybody loved her as she patrolled her wards and admired her hard work. She established the well-esteemed profession of matron, now a sadly-missed pillar of a great constitution.

Miss B A Gardein,

Third Avenue,

Heworth, York.