Caring for Older People - British Geriatrics Society launches new informative website – www.bgs.org.uk
The British Geriatrics Society (BGS) has launched a contemporary, easy to search, new website - www.bgs.org.uk - which provides access to comprehensive information relating to the specialist care of older people. Older people are the main users of health and social care services and their high morbidity rates, different patterns of disease presentation, slower response to treatment and requirements for social support, call for special medical skills and knowledge. The BGS website has an expanding resources section which includes best practice guides, clinical guidelines, consultation responses, the BGS bi-monthly newsletter and other reference materials which cover disease specific conditions, the general clinical management of frail older people and topical developments within the provision of healthcare such as commissioning, health economics and advance care planning. These are all available for visitors to download free of charge. The website contains a media centre where the latest statements issued by the BGS can be found as well as links to topical news items. There is also a list of spokespeople who can provide comment and analysis on a range of issues related to the medical care of older people. The website provides details of conferences and events covering various aspects of geriatric medicine, gerontology and the demographics of ageing. These include scientific meetings held by the BGS and visitors to the site can register online to attend. The website also lists diploma, certificate and post-graduate courses in older people's care, as well as advertising posts in geriatric medicine. A brand new trainees section has been designed and its content includes articles covering the merits of choosing geriatric medicine as a specialty; assessment issues while training; suggested reading lists; updates on curricula; information about grants and funding; special interest grids; ePortfolios and more. A similar section for nurses with a special interest in older people is being developed with input from the BGS Nurse Consultants’ Group. Visitors can also link to the BGS scientific journal Age and Ageing and can find out how to join the BGS in a dedicated membership section. Membership of the BGS covers a subscription to the journal, in addition to giving online access to past journals. Alex Mair, BGS Chief Executive said: “The BGS strives to promote better understanding of the health care needs of older people. We hope that our refreshed website will enable our members and those who work with frail older people, in both hospital and community settings, to benefit from the range of materials, recommendations and guidance we have collated. “Visitors to the site should also look at the variety of grants, prizes and awards we have available for professionals wanting to further their knowledge and skills in older people's healthcare or who wish to conduct research into ageing or age-related conditions.” For more information, please contact Iona-Jane Harris at the British Geriatrics Society on 020 7608 8573 or 07766 227724 or email ionajaneharris@bgs.org.uk Notes to Editors 1. The 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. It has over 2,500 members worldwide and is the only society in the UK offering specialist medical expertise in the wide range of health care needs of older people. Visit: www.bgs.org.uk 2. The BGS is an advocate of equal access to health care treatment. It believes that all older people should be entitled to a comprehensive assessment, a proper diagnosis and a treatment plan, regardless of their age. 3. The BGS uses the expertise of its members to inform and influence the development of health care policy in the UK and to ensure the design, commissioning and delivery of age appropriate health services. The BGS works closely with other specialist medical societies and allies itself with age-related charities.
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