[Perspective on continued development in geriatrics]

The Health Department (WVC) has given the National Hospital Institute (NZI) the task to conduct a study with respect to geriatric wards in general hospitals. In the final report of the NZI the recommendation was made to officially acknowledge clinical geriatrics in general hospitals as a function. Geriatric wards as well as geriatric policlinics are necessary in every region. In this article the researchers advise to apply the insights and experiences of geriatric wards and policlinics to other wards in general hospitals, especially wards where many elderly patients stay. The function and position of clinical geriatrics need to be specified in relation to other institutions for the care of the elderly and in particular to nursing homes. In the Netherlands the nursing homes also have a rehabilitation function. So a more permanent dialogue is necessary between clinical geriatrics and other institutions.