Published online by Cambridge University Press: 26 February 2002
The proportion of older people in the UK is increasing in relation to the population as a whole. This trend is reflected in the age profile of patients in hospital and those requiring continuing care in the community – domicilary, residential and nursing home sector. The HAS Report identified that more than 40% of patients over 65 with disability will require admission to an acute hospital over a two-year period. Ensuring appropriate, equitable and quality care for this age group is therefore a priority.