The statement below was published as a press release. For a fuller position statement, click here

In response to the publication today of Professor Ian Philps’ ‘A New Ambition for Old Age, Next steps in Implementing the National Service Framework for Older People’ the British Geriatrics Society welcomes the progress made to date on transforming services for older people.  The Society recognises the tremendous work performed by Professor Philp, the National Director for Older People, Department of Health, and his colleagues, in keeping these issues at the forefront of policy.

The BGS hopes that with this round of priorities for older peoples’ care, the momentum is not lost and that the will to do something positive is matched by the resources, incentives and penalties necessary to turn aspirations and promises into reality.

However, the BGS also acknowledges that despite the excellent care provided in the many parts of the system, there is still “institutionalised ageism” in the attitudes of many professionals, in the organisation of health systems and insufficient training in the skills and knowledge required to care for older people effectively.  There are also too many instances in which older peoples’ dignity and privacy are compromised.  Many older people require specialist care for falls, stroke, continence, acute confusion or dementia but still do not receive this.  There is a role for specialist doctors and nurses with specific skills in the assessment and care of older people to educate and mentor others and drive up standards of care.  The BGS is particularly pleased to see that the importance of comprehensive assessment is being recognised.

Dr David Oliver, Deputy Honorary Secretary, British Geriatrics Society and Senior Lecturer, Elderly Care Medicine, University of Reading and Consultant Physician, Royal Berkshire Hospital comments: “Getting the care of older people right is not only good for them and their carers, but will also have positive benefits for the whole system – improving access, bed occupancy and quality of care. 

“It should be acknowledged that the idea that older people should be kept out of hospital at all costs and may be seen as a “problem” is unhelpful.  Many older people need hospital care and long term home placement, so it is essential that an excellent standard of care is available when these services are required.

“Whilst we support all the aims expressed in the ‘Next Steps’ document, it is important to realise that many of these transformations will not emerge unless appropriate resources are invested in training, education and recruitment of specialist staff.  Moreover the right incentives and penalties need to be in place to make these aims a reality.