DMH 352
BRITISH GERIATRICS SOCIETY
Marjory Warren House. 31 St John's Square. London
ECiM 4DN; Tel: +44 (0)20 7608 1369; Fax: +44 (0)20 7608 104;
Email: Info@bgs.org.uk; Website: www.bgs.org.uk ; Patron: H.R.H.
The Prince of Wales
Statement from the British
Geriatrics Society to the Fre-Legislative Scrutiny Committee on
the draft Mental Health Act and the draft Mental Capacity Act
As the
professional organisation for doctors specialising in geriatric
medicine, the British Geriatrics Society:
- Aims to improve the
quality of support for older people
- Through its collaborative links
with the Royal College of Psychiatrists aims to improve the care
of people with mental illness and their carers
- Actively engages with major age
related charities to ensure appropriate clinical guidance is both
sought and acted upon
- Raises medical and public awareness
of older people's issues
- Advises government on legislation
pertaining to the medical and social welfare of older people
- Organises scientific and clinical
events to facilitate the continuing professional development of
those specialising in the care of older people
- Publishes academic journals and
policy documents (see www.bcis.orciuk)
- Promotes research into the medical
care of older people
- Assists the Royal College of Physicians
in setting the standards of training, through examinations and
continuing professional development of those wishing to specialise
in geriatric medicine (specialist registrars, consultants and
general practitioners)
The British Geriatrics
Society wishes to fully endorse the evidence submitted by the
Royal College of Psychiatrists ("the College Submission to
the Pre-Legislative Scrutiny Committee". which can be found
at: www.rcpsvch.co.ukIPresS/DarliamentlrespOnses/MHB.draftO4)
The British Geriatrics
Society would also wish to emphasise the vulnerability and needs
of older people, and the need for the Mental Health Act and the
Mental Capacity Act to be well co-ordinated so that the needs
of vulnerable older people are well met.
Dr Jeremy R Playfer
President
For and on behalf of British Geriatrics
Society
October 2004
LinVted Conipami registered
in England 1189776 Reg. Charity No. 268762
Registered Office: Mar/or Warren 1-lonse,
31 St John's Sqoare, London. ECIM 4DN
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