Welcome to the last edition for 2004. This has been a year for consolidation of the role of the journal, centred on the new arrangement with the British Geriatrics Society. The Special Approved Articles have been of uniformly high standard, and the feedback from the readership has been positive. It has been suggested by some subscribers that we should extend the approval to two or three specially commissioned reviews in each edition; certainly that is something to be negotiated for next year.
This edition begins with a comprehensive matter-of-fact overview of faecal incontinence, strongly supported by a scrutiny of the prevailing evidence, which blows some of the cobwebs and myths out of this core topic: essential reading for all geriatricians. This is followed by an excellent review of pelvic unsufficiency fractures, which are now increasingly recognised as a not uncommon cause of pain and immobility in elderly patients. Solid papers looking at the case for statin treatment in old age, and beta blockers for heart failure in old age complete the main clinical reviews for this edition. In a somewhat different vein Carmen Carroll poses some important managerial and cultural questions in her piece on leadership. I found this paper to be particularly thought provoking and recommend it to you wholeheartedly.
I hope you enjoy this edition, and I look forward to receiving your comments.