Coming into the summer, one is always looking for a little inactivity, but of course, in the world of geriatric medicine this is never the case.

We have a report on the first combined Council Study Day held recently, hosted by our splendid hosts in Cardiff, Wales. The subject was a pertinent one concerning the development of specialists in elderly care in the future.

We carry an update on survey results on the “Community Geriatrician”, and are privileged to view the sticky business of the Single Assessment Process from the perspective of three of our consultant members, in different parts of the country.

As a Newsletter, we try to be informative and stimulating about all the current issues in the care of older people. There is, of course, a huge range of policy issues and organisations, committees and individuals, who spend a great deal of energy in their development. However, what we do lack is a ‘letters page’, and as an Editor I am very keen to develop a “Letters Page” in this Newsletter. When one meet colleagues at meetings all over the country, they express many pertinent and interesting views – much of it based on their own local experience and not necessarily the bigger picture. May I urge the readers of the Newsletter to start writing to us with their polemic on issues that get under their skin, and their matters of the moment. Richard Lynham’s article on the EverCare Project, for instance, is surely an issue on which those involved in the care of older people should want to put pen to paper.

Dr Kevin Kelleher

We also have an update on the Clinical Effectiveness Forum and the Chairman of the new English Council reports on the first two meetings.

There is much more besides, and I would encourage readers to reply by letter or electronic form, so that we can get a healthy correspondence page going. Alternatively, visit the BGS Forum and post a comment there (after signing up as a member).

May I wish all members a happy summer break.

Dr Kevin Kelleher
Editor