England

At its earliest meetings, the new England Council members expressed a willingness to take on more work than is traditional of Council members. To this end, we have written to the Department of Health in the hope of creating the necessary network of linkages whereby the England Council can influence government health policy in its early phase. The Council was using those members who were involved in Evercare at a local level to monitor its progress

The Single Assessment Process continues to be confusing and complex. The England Council is promoting the idea of holding a meeting, either as a study day or as a session at one of the scientific meetings, when the process can be discussed and clarified (hopefully!).

The implementation of reimbursement for late discharge is a complex and bureaucratic process. The England Council is making representations, and will monitor progress.

The England Council now has a website where minutes of its meetings are posted. It is hoped that the site will evolve as an effective communications tool for the England membership, while learning from and forming useful links with the other Councils.

David Black
Chairman, England Council

Wales

The Wales Council congratulates Dr Gladys Tinker for being awarded an OBE in the Royal Honours List; Dr Ikram Shah who has been appointed as Deputy High Sheriff for the county of Clwyd; and Dr Bim Bowmick who has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to medical training in Wales. The Wales Council met in May and June and will be holding its first AGM in Newport under the new structure, which will be attended by the President.

Concerns of the day
The process is underway for appointing new RCP Regional Specialty Advisers.
In the interests of preserving the unity of the UK BGS, the Wales Council is seeking to establish a formal administrative function in the BGS London office.

The Wales Council is considering options regarding its links with the Royal Colleges, debating whether it should take advantage of England's already strong links with the Royal Colleges or work to establish its own.

With regard to the Council's relationship with the Welsh Assembly, there is concern that the development of a National Standards Framework for Wales is lagging behind that of England. It isalso felt that the Assembly’s newly established National Partnership Forum for Older People does not have adequate representation from geriatricians.

Ed Wilkins
Chairman, Wales Council