Dr Vicki Goodwin, Senior Research Fellow and physiotherapy specialist at PenCLAHRC, met with His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales at the British Geriatrics Society’s 70th anniversary celebration on 6 March.
Vicki represented her specialism in physiotherapy with older people at the event, which was held at St Thomas’ Hospital in London and was attended by over 150 people. His Royal Highness met with patients and members of the Society to celebrate the vital work of doctors, nurses and healthcare workers in caring for older people with complex healthcare needs.
The British Geriatrics Society (BGS) is a multi-disciplinary membership organisation bringing together healthcare professionals involved in the specialist treatment and care of older people across the UK.
Dr Goodwin's work with older people includes the PDSAFE project, which aims to find out if a physiotherapy-based treatment can improve steadiness and prevent falls in people with Parkinson's, and research on the factors that help older people remain physically active. She is also leading an innovative project looking at the effectiveness of orthotics or taping in managing osteoporosis-related vertebral fractures.
Vicki was joined by other doctors, nurses and allied health professionals from the BGS who spoke to the Prince about their roles, demonstrated some of the techniques used to prevent falls, and explained how patients with dementia are treated with dignity.
His Royal Highness also met with frontline staff who care for older people at Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospitals and in the local community, plus a therapy dog that helps to support older people with dementia. Older patients at St Thomas’ Hospital spoke with him about their experiences of receiving care.
Founded in 1947, the British Geriatrics Society has grown considerably in recent years and now has over 3,600 members. The Prince has been patron of the society since 1993, and in 2016 announced he would be extending his patronage for a further five years.