Blog

The BGS blog aims to present issues relevant to people working to improve the health and care of older people. It will highlight the latest news and activities from across all the BGS campaigns, events, publications and activities as well as original articles commissioned by leaders in geriatric medicine.

We have an exciting range of guest bloggers and welcome news and commentary on geriatric medicine from all those working in the field of older people's healthcare in the UK and abroad. Read our guidelines on submitting a blog for more details.

All content is moderated by our Blog Editors. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily of the British Geriatrics Society.

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Calling all Allied Health Professionals and Nurses!

08 Jul 2019

As the demitting chair I have been asked to share my experiences of my time in this post. Two years ago the BGS created the Nurses and AHPs Council in response to the changing face of the organisation and the need to further embrace the importance of multi-disciplinary working within older people’s healthcare

Priorities for the incoming Prime Minister

25 Jun 2019

Ten have been whittled down to two and it is now for the membership of the Conservative Party to decide whether they want Boris Johnson or Jeremy Hunt as their next leader and, subsequently, the next Prime Minister. Much of the focus of this campaign has been on the future of the UK’s relationship with the European Union. Are we leaving on 31 October or not? Deal or no deal? What exactly are WTO terms? Can I still go to Majorca for my summer holidays?

Why physicians support social care solutions

20 Jun 2019

Supporting social care and the funding it urgently needs

20 Jun 2019

While integrated care is being discussed, Lucy Lewis, consultant practitioner trainee specialising in frailty and older people at Health Education England (Wessex), gives some startling figures that reinforce the value of social care systems and the call for increased funding.

Getting old … Allelujah

18 Jun 2019

Voicing criticism of “national treasures” (NT) is not normally done – after all, they are national treasures. George Monbiot wrote a Guardian article about NT David Attenborough criticising him for not being more outspoken on environmental issues. I have a gentler criticism to make of Alan Bennett, another NT.

Quality Improvement for geriatricians - a new course from your friendly BGS

13 Jun 2019

Creating extra carer support through a massive open online course

10 Jun 2019

Your chance to influence what goes on at BGS meetings: the Deputy Honorary Meetings Secretary role

06 Jun 2019

Every trust must take action to identify and treat Sepsis, which costs 37,000 lives per year. Sepsis occurs when the body responds poorly to a bacterial infection, attacking its own tissues and organs, and while early treatment is effective, the condition is hard to identify.

Dying in the place of your choice – does the slipper of cancer fit on the foot of dementia?

22 May 2019

What is the leading cause of death in the UK? Cancer? Heart disease? Nope, it is dementia. Much value has been placed on dying in the place of one’s wishes however those with dementia seem to have been excluded from this focus. Why is it so hard to research wishes around death in those with dementia? Is it because we still forget it is a terminal disease? (1) Does it adhere to the issues with advance care planning in that when one is well they don’t wish to talk about it but when they are unwell they can’t?

BGS Rising Star Award for Research 2019: Katie Robinson

20 May 2019

When I finished my undergraduate physiotherapy degree I wouldn’t have predicted that a research career was ahead of me! As a newly qualified physiotherapist I began to realise that I had many unanswered questions.

BGS Rising Star Award for Clinical Quality 2019: Anna Steel

20 May 2019

It is a great honour to receive the Rising Star Award for Clinical Quality in recognition of my work regarding advance care planning. I am currently a less than full time Registrar in Geriatrics and General Medicine in North London.

Reflecting on 18 months as the Editorial Fellow to Age and Ageing

15 May 2019

International Nurses Day: Presence, not presents

10 May 2019

In the context of the multidisciplinary team it can feel awkward to single out any one profession for praise - but nurses offer unique and valuable skills, writes Dawne Garrett.

Geriatric Medical Humanities: new section in European Geriatric Medicine journal invites submissions

08 May 2019

Despite broader currents of ageism within and without medicine, geriatricians are fortunate to be working with people at the richest stage of life, and in a specialty that is intellectually stimulating and professionally rewarding. However, our professional discourse does not always reflect the wonders of later life, and how our patients and their families manage to find vitality, warmth, humour and creativity despite multiple challenges.

Perioperative medicine: we’ve come a long way but there is still a long road ahead

03 May 2019

As the population ages, increasing numbers of older people are presenting for elective and / or emergency surgical intervention. This group is at higher risk of adverse postoperative outcome, likely due to underlying comorbidity and frailty, increasing vulnerability to decompensation after surgery.

Is Wessex Frailty Fit?

01 May 2019

Do you know how many people in your hospital are living with frailty? Do you know where these patients are in your hospital? Why does it matter?

The primary care ship lurched significantly in early March with the arrival of the new NHS England (NHSE) GP contract

25 Apr 2019

Titled “Investment and Evolution” and sporting the NHS flagship blue and white livery it made many bold statements. First up, the extortionate premiums in indemnity coverage that GPs face will end, thanks to state backed indemnity. Nice.

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