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I reported in the last newsletter that the specialist societies were planning to hold a meeting to discuss the present status of negotiations with the Federation of Royal Colleges regarding knowledge based assessments (KBA).

All the Societies have slightly differing views on how the assessment should be organised but there was a clear view that the KBA should be an integral part of the assessment process for new consultants and not a stand alone examination that can be marketed worldwide. I am pleased to report that the Colleges appear to be adopting a more flexible view and I am hopeful that differences of view can be resolved shortly. In the mean time thanks to Oliver Corrado and his team of question setters.

Re-licensing and Recertification
There is no real news to report on this front. Pete Belfield, the new Chair of our Policy Committee, has been appointed by UKMC to lead on this for the BGS.

Acute Medicine and the RCP London
I am pleased to say that the RCP took on board almost all of the points we raised when considering their draft document on Acute Medicine. Hopefully the recommendations, if implemented, will improve the care of older people if they are admitted to hospital. The major point of disagreement is that the College does not favour a separate portal of entry for acutely ill older people. The BGS view is that where separate systems for emergency admission are working well they should be allowed to continue.

Harrogate 2007
I thought Harrogate was a great success with an excellent mix of speakers from within the Society and elsewhere. It was a great pleasure to award the President’s Medal to Leeds geriatrician, Bill Bagnall. The fact that there is such a comprehensive and forward thinking service and the fact that geriatricians appear to occupy most of the important medical leadership positions is due in no small part to his leadership and example over the years. Both of our eponymous lecturers, John Potter and Mark Clarfield gave excellent and entertaining lectures. A full report appears elsewhere in this newsletter but could I offer my personal congratulations to Michael Vassalo, Hamptons and the rest of the team.

Canadian Geriatrics Society
The Society has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Canadian Geriatrics Society. BGS members can get home rate registration at their conferences. Why not consider submitting an abstract there? The next conference is being held in Montreal on 10-12 April. Full details are available on their website.

Vatican
The week before Harrogate I visited Rome to give a lecture in the Vatican on the history of geriatric medicine. I could not refuse, for the letter from the Cardinal President of the Pontifical Council on Healthcare Workers addressed me as “Illustrious Professor”. Not being a Catholic and having no idea on the form on such occasions I sought advice on what I could say and what I should not say. Those of you who are Bible scholars (and that does not include me) will know that King David was treated for his hypothermia (he also had osteoporosis and dementia) by having a young lady placed in his bed to keep him warm. Could I mention that? Roger Bacon, the first English scientist was a Franciscan friar (good) but was later tried for apostasy (bad). Could I mention him? Luckily Eileen Burns (another geriatrician from Leeds) was able to give me sensible advice and I avoided the inquisition.

OAP
I had a note from Dave Anderson, Chair of the Faculty of Old Age Psychiatry asking for support over proposals in some areas to merge old age psychiatry services with those of working age adults. I would be interested in hearing of any changes on the ground so that we could intervene.

Working Party with RCGP
Mike Cheshire and I have been discussing the possibility of the RCP and RCGP setting up a working party on the future of the medical care of older people. Work is continuing on re-defining the criteria for appointment as a GP with Special Interest in older people but we feel that there is a wider agenda that needs re-examination. I have asked the Policy Committee to take a lead in this area.

Finally, could I offer seasonal greetings to members and their families. I hope you manage to have at least a few days relaxing. You all deserve it!!

Peter Crome

BGS Newsletter, December 2007
Issue 14 ISSN 1748-6343 14