Community matron implementation: meeting the challenge in Leeds.

The introduction of the community matron role is an important milestone in the national strategy for the management of long-term conditions (DH, 2005a). Community matrons are seen as key in delivering personalized, managed care to adults with complex long-term needs. The Department of Health requires there to be 3000 community matrons in posts across England by March 2007 (Beasley et al, 2005). Leeds North West PCT is required to have seven community matrons in 2005/2006 and 13 by March 2007. This article describes the process of the introduction of the first wave of community matrons in North West Leeds.