Modern matrons were identified separately for the first time in the 2005 annual National Health Service workforce census. Community matrons were identified separately for the first time in the 2006 annual NHS Workforce census. The number of both modern and community matrons employed is shown in the following table.
England as at 30 September each yearHeadcount2004200512006Qualified nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff375,371381,257374,538Modern matron—1,6061,982Community matron——366 1 More accurate validation in 2006 has resulted in 9,858 duplicate records being identified and removed from the non-medical census. Although this represents less than 1 per cent. of total records, it should be taken into consideration when making historical comparisons. These 9,858 duplicate records, broken down by main staff group, are: 3,370 qualified nurses; 1,818 qualified scientific, therapeutic and technical staff; 2,719 support to doctors and nurses; 368 support to scientific, therapeutic and technical staff; 1,562 NHS infrastructure support; and 21 in other areas.