The British Geriatrics Society (BGS) welcomes the publication of “A Recipe for Care – Not a Single Ingredient – Clinical case for change: Report (download report in pdf) by Professor Ian Philp, National Director for Older people”.

The BGS welcomes the five point plan, emphasising as it does the importance of early assessment of old age conditions and the necessity of greater interdisciplinary working. The Society endorses the necessity to strengthen the seamless integration of health and social care services for older people throughout the UK, to provide better services closer to home without denying older people access to hospital care where appropriate. The Society will continue its long history of working with partners both in health and social care, to develop the best possible community and hospital based services for older people. The Society hopes that sensible and adequate new investment will be provided to ensure that health and social practitioners are adequately provided and trained to meet the challenge and make the plan a reality.

Peter Crome