There were no leaves on the line to affect our journeys to the BGS Autumn Meeting. Mind you, just after the meeting finished, there was no underground train on the line either.

Derailment occurred, raising questions again about public/private partnership - a message then, for folk who look for metaphors in day-to-day life, for the design of modern health delivery? In years gone by, looking for “signs” that defined the future was a serious business. Next year all roads lead to Harrogate for the Autumn meeting – new venue, new ideas, new signs, but not before we stop off in Derry (London) for the Spring meeting. I would echo exhortations on page 28, to book your trip early. Having had a year’s apprenticeship in the editor’s chair, following Chandi’s illness,this issue of the BGS Newsletter officially represents my first as Editor and as Honorary Secretary. The really good news, though, is that Chandi is making a good recovery and has returned to work. We were all very happy to see her at the Autumn Meeting - looking a little tired, perhaps, but as irrepressible as ever.

Our changing world
In less than two weeks, I have had the pleasure of spending time with two professors of geriatric medicine who have given a lot of their energies to the BGS over the years. In unsolicited comments, they now both put themselves in the category of “old fart”. Upon reflection, could this indicate an emotional response to the pace of change they perceive about them? If so, how does the changing world feel for our patients? The need for strong advocacy for the frail older person has never been greater. It was interesting to hear our BGS President, Bob Stout’s comments at the BGS dinner, as he presented the Presidential Medal to Professor Sir Stewart Sutherland. He reminded us that the Royal Commission had not gone away and continues to press for the full implementation of its recommendations. I would urge you to revisit the report. Let us know in the Newsletter, if you think the alternatives that your patients have to deal with in parts of the UK are better. If the “old farts” are struggling with the myriad schemes and policy frameworks, how are you and your patients doing?

A little wise counsel
It is not a new idea, but it has not been seen for a couple of years. The English Council held a counselling and guidance session at the BGS Autumn Meeting, where individual members, regardless of grade, could attend a surgery to discuss issues which were of concern to them. Topics open for discussion included intermediate care, Evercare; Kaiser Permanente; Single Assessment process; job plans for geriatricians; reimbursement; and anything else. David Black, one of the counsellors, reports that three people took advantage of the surgery. I believe the low number reflects the short notice at which the surgery was planned and publicised, rather than its value. BGS and its national Councils can only thrive on dialogue between its members, and I am sure I am not alone in hoping that the exercise will be repeated and much better publicised.

SIGs ‘n Sections
It is good to see how active the BGS SIGs and Sections are, a number of whom have held meetings, either independently of the BGS Autumn meeting, or as parallel sessions.

A fond farewell then, to Richard Lynham who left at the end of September, and warm welcome to his successor and the new Chief Executive Alex Mair.

Kevin Kelleher
Editor