Androgens, ageing and vascular function

We will never be perfect in achieving a diagnosis in every patient, and the challenge of geriatrics is how difficult it can be in some patients, and indeed, whether it is appropriate in others. An audit of our own ill-defined diagnoses showed that re-admission rates, at 1 month, were 10%, very similar to our better defined patients, and the great majority did not return to hospital within the next year. But that should not make us complacent. Walsh’s paper should make us all reflect upon the systems that operate for our older people, and the continuum of care from the front door to after-discharge, including the information (clinical and managerial) that goes along with it. We were trained as geriatricians and should continue to ensure that older people get the care they deserve at the time they deserve it, in the place they deserve it. MATT THOMAS Consultant Physician, Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Poole BH15 2JB, UK Tel: +44 (0)1202 448160; Fax: +44 (0)1202 442993 Email: Matt.Thomas@poole.nhs.uk