Professor Adam Gordon attended a summit of health leaders at Number 10 Downing Street to discuss winter preparedness.
The Building Community Resilience and Enabling Independence Theme Lead was representing the British Geriatrics Society in his role as President at the event on Wednesday, September 13.
He was one of 24 health and social care leaders who meet with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Steve Barclay.
Professor Gordon was able to make the case for multidisciplinary care for older people with frailty to be given priority as part of funding announcements.
He said: “Last winter saw the worst outcomes for older people with frailty receiving NHS care since records began. We are pleased to see the government taking action, but these funds must be used where they can make the biggest difference. Older people with frailty are most likely to be affected by delays and staff shortages in health and social care.
“Specialist care for older people in emergency and acute medical units, a focus on rehabilitation capacity and maximising the availability of social care at home must be prioritised alongside the comprehensively outlined plans for virtual wards.
“We call on the government to work to resolve the ongoing dispute with the British Medical Association. Doing so will enable the NHS to focus fully on the challenges of patient care - unleashing the full potential of our health and social care workforce.”
You can read Professor Gordon’s full response on behalf of the British Geriatrics Society by clicking here.
Professor Gordon is a Professor of the Care of Older People at University of Nottingham and a Consultant Geriatrician at Royal Derby Hospital.
The ARC East Midlands Building Community Resilience and Enabling Independence Theme undertakes research to support independent living, improved care for stroke survivors and coordinated multi-service care, particularly for older people.
Published on: 19 Sep 2023