Urgent Call for Action on Osteoporosis as 4,000 Lives Lost
Labour's foot-dragging on osteoporosis means '4,000 people have died needlessly'
Image: Express
Campaigners urge immediate action from the new Health Secretary, James Murray, to address osteoporosis treatment gaps, citing 4,000 unnecessary deaths since a pledge for universal fracture liaison services was made. With 3.5 million affected in the UK, the lack of services in half of NHS trusts poses a significant health risk, particularly for women.
- 014,000 people have died from osteoporosis-related complications since the initial pledge for fracture liaison services in 2021.
- 02Approximately 3.5 million individuals in the UK are affected by osteoporosis, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
- 03Half of NHS trusts currently lack fracture liaison services, which are essential for early detection and treatment.
- 04The estimated cost of treating fractures that could have been prevented by these services has reached £150 million since the last election.
- 05The new Health Secretary, James Murray, is being urged to act quickly to implement a rollout plan for fracture liaison services.
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Campaigners are demanding immediate action from the newly appointed Health Secretary, James Murray, to address the alarming issue of osteoporosis treatment in the UK. Since Wes Streeting's pledge to end the postcode lottery in osteoporosis treatment, 4,000 people have died needlessly, primarily women, due to a lack of access to fracture liaison services (FLS). Currently, 3.5 million people in the UK suffer from osteoporosis, yet around 50% of NHS trusts do not provide these vital services. The Royal Osteoporosis Society has expressed frustration over the absence of a delivery plan for universal access to FLS, which was promised to be implemented by 2030. Lord Black, co-chair of the all-party group on osteoporosis, emphasized that the rollout of FLS could have prevented many deaths, as over 2,000 people die each year from hip fractures that these services would address. The government has committed to rolling out FLS, but campaigners are urging for a concrete timetable and resources to ensure timely implementation, as the current situation remains dire with no trusts having made progress since the election.
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The lack of fracture liaison services directly affects the health outcomes of millions, particularly women, leading to unnecessary deaths and increased healthcare costs.
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