The Specialist Societies Forum in England comprised of geriatricians in England, nurses, physio- and occupational therapists representing BGS England, AGILE, RCN, and OTOT, have advised the Department of Health's System Reform team that:

1. The payment by results tariff for the common health problems in older people should be set a level that recognises their complexity and accurately costs in the full spectrum of services required.

2. Access to comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment and treatment should be available across the whole health and social care system with robust clinical governance processes to ensure the highest standards of care.

3. The outcome of treatment should be measured to ensure that the best results are achieved for the patient (and carer) in terms of functional status, well being and continued residence at home (or an alternative place that the patient chooses).

James Barrett
on behalf of the Specialist Societies Forum in England