The article discusses the ethical and social aspects of an elderly patient/client classified as a geriatric patient. It expresses the view on the surgical treatment from the field of the discipline of surgery, gerontology and nursing. The first author, a university professor of surgery, together with co-authors and a qualified nurse registered in the Czech Republic as well as in Great Britain, who works as a professional teacher of nursing, point to the required perspectives of health and

more »

... onal status. They focus not only on the senior population in the Czech Republic in relation to a possible surgical intervention, but also on the sphere of its social problems. The article reflects the authors' work experience gained in hospitals in the United Kingdom. The comprehensive approach to the surgical patients is emphasised and the required perspectives of health and functional status, particularly at a higher age with respect to maintaining the quality of life, are highlighted. Nursing and Care Pelikan et al., J Nurs Care 2015, 4:6 http://dx.