According to campaigners, older individuals are experiencing severe fractures due to Wes Streeting failing to fulfill his commitment. Prior to the Labour government taking office in 2024, Health Secretary Mr. Streeting had promised to introduce specialized clinics in all English hospitals to screen patients for osteoporosis, a condition that increases the risk of fractures.
Research from the Royal Osteoporosis Society reveals that half of women over 50 are susceptible to fractures associated with osteoporosis, particularly broken hips which have a high fatality rate within a year. It is estimated that 2,000 individuals perish annually following hip fractures that could have been prevented by these clinics.
During his time in Opposition, Mr. Streeting criticized delays in Fracture Liaison Services under the previous government, emphasizing the importance of implementing these services promptly upon assuming the role of Health Secretary.
The Royal Osteoporosis Society is launching an advocacy campaign, urging Mr. Streeting to expedite the establishment of fracture prevention clinics. The initiative includes advertisements in various media outlets such as the Daily Mirror and public transportation stations.
Dr. Sarah Jarvis, a prominent medical professional, highlighted the government’s repeated promises to enhance women’s health by expanding Fracture Liaison Services. However, the delayed delivery of these services is jeopardizing thousands of lives annually.
Approximately 3.5 million individuals in the UK suffer from osteoporosis, leading to over half a million fragility fractures each year. Osteoporosis-related fractures affect half of women over 50 and a fifth of men, often occurring from minor actions like coughing or hugging.
Despite effective treatments being available, a significant portion of osteoporosis patients are not receiving proper care due to disparities in diagnostic clinic availability across NHS Trusts. Since Labour’s ascension to power, an estimated 4,000 individuals have lost their lives due to hip fractures that could have been prevented.
The Royal Osteoporosis Society estimates that NHS and social care services have incurred substantial costs as a result of preventable fractures, underscoring the urgency of implementing fracture prevention measures.
Chief executive Craig Jones emphasized the critical need for fracture prevention clinics, asserting that delays in implementation are leading to avoidable fatalities. Failure to act promptly could result in thousands more premature deaths.
The society’s data indicates that the government has not met its targets for establishing clinics in NHS Trusts, despite numerous re-commitments to the policy. A full roll-out of these clinics is projected to prevent tens of thousands of fractures and reduce the strain on NHS resources.
A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding fracture liaison services by 2030. In the interim, investments are being made in advanced scanning technology to diagnose fragile bones early and mitigate the risk of fractures, particularly in vulnerable demographics.
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