A NEW management structure is being put in place in North Devon community hospitals, a spokesman said.

The four community hospital matron posts will be replaced by two community hospital matron roles and two complex discharge co-ordinator roles.

All four positions have been filled by existing members of staff.

Jo Gibbs, director of operations at Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust (NDHT), said: "We've consulted with staff and designed a structure which couples the strengths of the conventional matron role with the latest models for delivering more individualised, integrated patient care — particularly for those with chronic or complex health problems.

"The new complex discharge co-ordinator roles will ensure a personalised package of nursing, therapy and social support is quickly put in place so that patients can recover at home as soon as they are ready — and that's much better for the patient".

One community hospital matron and one complex discharge co-ordinator will cover Bideford, Holsworthy and Torrington.

Another community hospital matron and complex discharge co-ordinator will look after Ilfracombe, South Molton and Lynton.