Professor Emma Vardy

Consultant Geriatrician and Clinical Dementia Lead, Salford; Frailty Lead, Northern Care Alliance; Deputy Lead, Clinical Frailty Reference Group, Greater Manchester
My name is Emma Vardy; I am a consultant geriatrician based primarily at Salford Care Organisation. I am also clinical dementia lead for Salford and am the frailty lead for the Northern Care Alliance. I am deputy lead for the clinical frailty reference group for Greater Manchester (GM).
 
I have a strong track record within the BGS advocating for people with dementia and delirium.
 
I am chair of the dementia and related disorders special interest group. As current chair of the North-West BGS committee I have doubled the membership and have overseen a vibrant programme of meetings.
 
Collaborating with organisations including the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Royal College of Physicians I have facilitated policy change nationally, including guidance on delirium in the context of COVID-19 and promoting assessing delirium as part of the NEWS2 scoring system. I am actively involved in research and advocate for the involvement of older people and those working with older people in my role as NIHR GM CRN (clinical research network) ageing specialty lead and the deputy lead for the health ageing theme NIHR GM ARC (applied research collaboration). I am a senior editor for the journal Age and Ageing and have been part of the editorial team overseeing an increase in impact factor and publication of research that is relevant to practice and service provision.
 
As President I would have 4 core objectives:
  • Objective 1: Influence policymakers, commissioners and health professionals as an informed advocate and authority on older people's healthcare; this is in line with BGS strategic goals 2020-23.
    Recent published guidance applicable to older people has been constructed without specialist geriatric medical expertise. I will continue to build and strengthen connections between the BGS and royal colleges, national societies and other organisations to ensure that the voice of the BGS and latest evidence on the care of older people is represented in NHS and national policy frameworks.
     
  • Objective 2: Focus on healthcare inequality.
    Whilst much excellent work in development of the policy, guidance, frailty and delirium hubs has been undertaken, if elected I would focus on inequalities of care not based solely on geographical area but those caused by ethnicity, gender and social deprivation. I will empower members to raise awareness of these issues as a society and to work to reduce these differences.
     
  • Objective 3: Focus on health promotion and disability prevention.
    We are working in the NHS at a time of unprecedented pressure. Older people have suffered as a result of isolation, deconditioning and restructuring of services. We must look forward and move from crisis management to healthcare promotion ensuring the very best outcomes for our population. The incorporation of research into everyday practice is core to this aim. As President, I would promote research as a key function of the society.
     
  • Objective 4: Build on the rich history of the BGS in encouraging diversity and inclusivity of our membership.
    This must include committee structures and conference delivery. My vision is that regardless of gender, ethnicity or profession all members have equal opportunities to flourish within our society; take up leadership roles and participate in conference activity. Evidence shows that organisations with diversity of workforce and leadership are the most productive. I am also keen that we equip our members to be leaders and represent older people's services and care at organisational, regional and national forums. As a senior editor for the journal Age and Ageing, seeing the excellent work by the editorial board and positive efforts at inclusivity has contributed in no small part to the rising impact factor and increasing success of the journal.
My experience, enthusiasm and vision make me an ideal candidate for BGS President Elect. At a time of unprecedented pressure for health and social care the needs of older people require vocal representation and advocacy. The continuing challenge for care of older people requires strong ties across health and social care, academia and patient and carer groups in which parity of esteem is central. I would work to strengthen these relationships which are necessary in addressing issues of equity of access to treatments and care. This has become increasingly important as the cost of living rises and the NHS faces challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
I don’t underestimate the tasks faced by health and social care now and in the coming years. I would embrace the role of President Elect for the BGS with candour and enthusiasm. I would listen to you, the members, who are all in the process of shaping our Society's Strategic Plan 2023-26.
Thank you for reading my manifesto.