The British Geriatrics Society (BGS) is holding its annual Autumn Conference from the 7th to 9th October 2009 at the Harrogate International Centre in Harrogate, Yorkshire.

Older people are the main users of health and social care services and the BGS is committed to furthering knowledge of how to provide them with the best possible care.   This three-day event will cover a wide range of topics including nutrition, standards and guidelines on intermediate care, new advances in heart failure management and falls prevention.  The programme combines workshop sessions with state of the art lectures delivered by leading researchers.  Professor Ingmar Skoog, University of Gothenburg, Sweden, will present findings relating to mental disorders in the elderly.  Dr. Claudine Domoney, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, will be focusing on sexuality in later life and Professor Jadwiga Wedzicha, University College London, will be inviting discussion on the next epidemic, which he identifies as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Special Interest Groups (SIGs) from within the BGS, including the Movement Disorders Section, the Falls Prevention and Bone Health SIG, the Cardiovascular Section, and the Gastroenterology and Clinical Nutrition SIG will present the latest research regarding their specialties.  Alongside the main programme, there will be a display of adjudicated Research and Clinical Effectiveness posters and an exhibition.

Dr Adrian Wagg, BGS Conference Secretary said: “This event is aimed at all those with an interest in the clinical care of older people and in research into age-related conditions.  It is designed to stimulate discussion and facilitate the sharing of information and best practice so that delegates leave inspired and empowered to deliver the best possible care to their patients.”

The event is open to non-BGS members and is CPD accredited by the Royal College of Physicians.  There are two registration options, full meeting or one-day registration.  There are reductions for BGS members, trainees, retired BGS members and allied health professionals.  The BGS offers grants to young doctors, nurses and therapists to help with funding travel and accommodation to attend the event. 

To register for the event, contact the Conference Secretariat, Hampton Medical Conferences on 020 8979 8300 or email bgs@hamptonmedical.com

For more information about the British Geriatrics Society, contact Iona-Jane Harris on 020 7608 8573 or 07766 227724 or email ionajaneharris@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. The BGS welcomes any healthcare professional with a particular interest in the care of older people to join the society and to benefit from its collective expertise.