Alex Mair, Chief Executive British Geriatrics Society said: “All types  of stroke are an emergency and medical intervention should take place as soon  as possible.  However, rehabilitation in both the hospital and community  setting must not be sidelined by too great a focus on hyperacute care and  thrombolysis.   Early and continuing rehabilitation is also a vital  part of stroke treatment.”  

The Daily Telegraph, 5  June 2009: “Surgery for stroke too slow”
Daily  Express, 26 June 2009: “Lives put at risk by wait for stroke  op”

For further information, please contact the Press Officer at the British Geriatrics Society on 020 7608 8573 or 07766 227724 or email press@bgs.org.uk

Notes to Editors

1. The British Geriatrics Society (BGS) is a membership association of doctors, nurses, therapists, scientists and others with a particular interest in the care of the frail older person and in promoting better health in old age. 
2. The BGS strives to promote better understanding of the healthcare needs of older people and to share examples of best practice to ensure that older patients are treated with dignity and respect by all clinical staff they come into contact with.
3. The BGS supports research into age-related conditions.  It holds two annual conferences, one in Spring and one in Autumn, in order to provide platforms for scientific research to be shared.
4. he BGS welcomes any healthcare professional with a particular interest in the care of older people to join the society and to benefit