Community matrons and case managers: who are they?

In 2005 John Reid, the then Secretary of Health, announced the need for 3?000 community matrons to be appointed to coordinate the care of the growing numbers of people living with long term conditions. Although by the date agreed there were only 1?348 in post, according to Snow (2007), some PCTs have decided not to recruit further community matrons. Following the first evaluations of the role there also appears to be some confusion as to the title used by professionals who case manage this client group. The title of community matron has been used interchangeably with case manager, and therefore requires some clarification. This paper attempts to review the role of community matron and case manager, identify the professionals who take up these posts, and the professional qualifications and preparation required for the roles.