Elderly individuals are experiencing severe fractures due to a failure to fulfill a promise made by Wes Streeting, campaigners claim. Before the Labour government took office in 2024, Health Secretary Mr. Streeting committed to implementing specialized clinics in all English hospitals to screen for osteoporosis, a condition that can lead to imminent fractures. About half of women over 50 are at risk of fractures related to osteoporosis, such as hip fractures, which have a high fatality rate within a year. The Royal Osteoporosis Society reports that these clinics could prevent 2,000 deaths annually from hip fractures.
During his time in opposition, Mr. Streeting criticized the delays in Fracture Liaison Services under the previous government and vowed to prioritize their implementation as Health Secretary. The Royal Osteoporosis Society is initiating an advertisement campaign to urge Mr. Streeting to expedite the rollout of fracture prevention clinics.
Dr. Sarah Jarvis expressed concerns about the delay in providing Fracture Liaison Services, emphasizing that over 2,000 lives are at risk each year. Osteoporosis affects approximately 3.5 million people in the UK, resulting in more than half a million fragility fractures annually. Despite the availability of effective medication, many individuals with osteoporosis are not receiving timely diagnosis and treatment due to limitations in diagnostic clinics within NHS Trusts.
The Royal Osteoporosis Society estimates that preventable fractures have incurred significant costs to the healthcare system. Timely identification of individuals at risk of fractures through these clinics could lead to improved outcomes and reduced healthcare expenses. The society emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the promise to establish fracture prevention clinics across all NHS trusts to prevent unnecessary deaths and reduce healthcare burden.
