5 key points
1The ward sister
role is vital for
consistent, highquality
care
2Lack of clinical
leadership is a
factor in poor care
3The Francis
report has
called for a
strengthening of
the ward sister role
4 A critical
analysis
of healthcare
organisations and
a whole-systems
approach to
change is required
to modernise
this role
5The role needs
to be clearly
defined and sisters
need ongoing
development