But the job has moved on immeasurably since then and this month Bridlington Hospital welcomed its new modern matron.

Hilary Woodward has been appointed to the new role as part of the drive to develop a range of additional clinical services at the hospital.

She is responsible for leading the nursing staff and, working alongside the trust's business managers, to help improve quality of care for patients.

"The main thing is to improve and maintain standards of nursing care and ensure patients are looked after in a safe and clean environment.

"The job also involves being a point of contact for patients, visitors and relatives if they have any issues.

"I want to spend a lot of my time out on the wards, rather than behind a desk."

Hilary, who is originally from Durham, has been with the NHS for 27 years and joined Scarborough and North East Yorkshire Healthcare NHS Trust in 2000.

Since then she has worked as a ward sister, matron, nurse manager and latterly as the trust's capital programme manager, with part of her time at Bridlington.

She said: "There is a lot happening at the minute in Bridlington. I see part of my role as being support and guidance through that.

"There will be more changes to inpatient and outpatient services and I will be involved heavily in the smotth running of that.

"The trust is really committed to bringing services here for the local community.

"Bridlington Hospital has a lot to offer. It's a nice environment and there is a really good team spirit among the nurses.

"Morale is on the up as people are less fearful."

The trust's chief nurse Teresa Fenech said: "We are delighted Hilary has decided to return to nursing and on behalf of the team at Bridlington Hospital I would like to welcome her onboard.

"Hilary has a wealth of knowledge gained from both nursing and operational roles.

"Her addition to the nursing team at Bridlington will ensure that a senior nurse will be on site to guide staff and will also be available to meet with patients and their carers to ensure they are satisfied with the services we're providing."