Derek Bell

Acute Medicine is a hot topic which has been discussed extensively throughout the United Kingdom over the last decade. However, recent developments demonstrate a move from discussion to action, with an increasing number of Consultant appointments in Acute Medicine, the development of the Society for Acute Medicine (UK) and, more recently, discussions within the JCHMT to develop Acute Medicine as a subspecialty of General (Internal) Medicine. This latter step is very significant as we may soon be in the position to develop training programmes for Specialty Registrars in Acute Medicine which will ultimately ensure that they have the appropriate clinical and organisational skills to support the delivery of emergency care.