Achieving Age Equality in Health and Social Care: BGS Statement

Today Sir Ian Carruthers, Chief Executive of NHS South West, and Jan Ormondroyd, Chief Executive of Bristol City Council, have published Achieving Age Equality in Health and Social Care, their review of age discrimination and age equality in the health and social care sector in view of the proposed Equalities Bill. The report can be accessed at: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/DH_107278. David Oliver, Age Discrimination Lead, British Geriatrics Society said: “We welcome the publication of Achieving Age Equality in Health and Social Care. Older people are important and valuable members of society who have an equal right to effective and efficient health care services. We oppose discrimination against older people (either direct or indirect) and believe that decisions about health and social care should always be based around clinical appropriateness and not made on the basis of chronological age alone.” 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.

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