“The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected older people with 90% of deaths from COVID occurring in those aged over 65. It should therefore come as no surprise that BGS members – geriatricians, GPs, nurses, allied health professionals, care home staff and other healthcare professionals working with older people – have been among those most involved in the treatment of people with COVID, both in hospitals and in the community.

BGS members reflected on the practical elements of managing the pandemic, including variable access to personal protective equipment (PPE) and testing for staff and patients and the confusion caused by constantly changing guidance. Concern about the impact of COVID-19 in care homes was a source of anxiety, and the implication that discharge from hospitals to care homes early in the pandemic without negative COVID tests contributed to outbreaks.

More than three quarters (77%) of respondents stated that they had had a change in their job plan or rota due to the pandemic. This took the form of increased out-of-hours work, cancellation of scheduled clinics and treating all adults as opposed to older adults only. While some volunteered for these changes, others had them imposed and it will be important to ensure that regular rotas are restored as quickly as possible. Concerns about future careers were also expressed with many trainees describing a lack of training opportunities over the past year.”

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