The BGS welcomes the report by the Health Care Commission , Audit commission and Commission for social care inspection recognising improvements in Stroke care in hospital,improvements in tackling Age discrimination and greater support for older people at home since the publication of the NSF for Older people in 2001. The documented lack of timely access to Podiatry and Mental health services is particularly disappointing as these services are vital in promoting Independence and quality of life.Lack of dignity and help with feeding, together with hasty discharge with repeated moves between hospital wards are further examples of how covert Ageism is maintained within General hospitals in contravention of NSF Standards 2 [Rooting out Ageism] and 4[General hospital care]. Older people admitted to hospital should be looked after by multiprofessional teams skilled in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of older people in an environment appropriate to their needs.Discharge or transfer of care back to the community should be timely and neither rushed nor delayed.