British Geriatrics Society

for better health in old age

About the BGS

The British Geriatrics Society (BGS) is a professional association of doctors practising geriatric medicine, old age psychiatrists, general practitioners, nurses, therapists, scientists and others with a particular interest in the medical care of older people and in promoting better health in old age.

Francis Report

The Francis report challenges the NHS at all levels especially around the care of older people. This, combined with the fact that they are the main users of the NHS, warrants action on three levels. Firstly, the holistic assessment of all older people entering hospital to ensure a diagnosis so they get the treatment they need. Secondly, all staff working with adults in the NHS, including managers, receive training to meet the specific needs of older patients. Finally, clinicians of all disciplines must challenge any poor care whenever they encounter it. Read BGS response

Geriatric Medicine and Geriatricians in Medicine

The BGS has issued a position statement intended to support Geriatric Medicine departments in the United Kingdom the allocation of their resources and to aid discussions with senior health service managers and commissioners. It will be augmented by several more detailed service descriptions with case examples.

Patients Association dossier: BGS comment

Details: Created on 09 November 2011; Written by Tom Thorpe; Hits: 652

Today, the Patients Association launched another dossier containing "shameful" stories about the care elderly patients receive in NHS hospitals in England has been published by campaigners. It said the 16 cases include people being denied pain relief, left to sit in their own faeces and going without food and drink. More information can be read here.

BGS Comment: The latest report in a depressing series of reports which have been published over the last year such as CQC's, the Health Service Ombudsman’s and Channel Four Dispatches programme. The BGS believe that dignity in care is not discretionary. The BGS actively promotes dignity and combats age discrimination. We have run two campaigns: the 2007 ‘Behind Closed Doors’ campaign and last year’s Don’t Forget the Person ’ campaign; We also have a dignity champion, Dr Jackie Morris.

The BGS made a recent submission to the new Commission set up by the NHS Confederation, Age UK and the Local Government Group to look at dignity in hospital.

Contact our media centre

If you have any PR or media queries or interview requests, please contact Iona-Jane Harris, BGS Communications Manager on telephone 07807 231432 or by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .