Proud moment for the ROS as two dedicated volunteers are awarded OBEs

The Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of two valued members of their community recommended to His Majesty The King for appointment as Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2026 Birthday Honours List.

This recognition highlights their dedication, leadership and lasting impact on bone health and osteoporosis care, which has improved the lives of thousands of people across the UK.

Among those honoured is Dr Inderpal Singh (MD; MSc; FRCP), Consultant Physician and Geriatrician with a special interest in falls and bone health, Honorary Senior Lecturer at the School of Medicine, and National Clinical Lead for Bone Health in Wales. Dr Singh has been recognised for his services to osteoporosis care in Wales, where he has played a pivotal role in advancing clinical practice through the national roll-out of Fracture Liaison Services, which has extended access to treatment and support to thousands of people.

Reflecting on this honour, Dr Singh said:

I am deeply humbled and honoured to have been recommended for an OBE. In my roles as National Clinical Lead within the Welsh Government and later with NHS Wales Performance and Improvement, I have had the privilege of working alongside teams across all Welsh Health Boards to strengthen care for older people, particularly in the areas of falls prevention, frailty, and osteoporosis.

This acknowledgement reflects the collective commitment of clinicians, nurses, allied health professionals, managers, and support staff, whose dedication, compassion, and professionalism make sustained improvement possible, often in challenging circumstances.

I would like to pay particular tribute to the Welsh Fracture Liaison Services and Bone Health teams, whose tireless work in prevention, early identification, and long‑term management has been fundamental to improving outcomes for people at risk of fragility fractures across Wales.

I am especially grateful for the support and collaboration of the Royal Osteoporosis Society, whose national leadership, advocacy, and evidence‑based approach have been instrumental in strengthening osteoporosis care, and to the Bevan Commission for its encouragement, thoughtful challenge, and belief in innovation rooted in prudent healthcare principles.

I am sincerely thankful to colleagues from the British Geriatrics Society, the Royal College of Physicians, and the third sector, whose collaborative working has helped implement Fracture Liaison Services across Wales, supported national roll‑out in 2024, and contributed to progress towards the Royal Osteoporosis Society’s 80‑50‑80 standard by 2030.

Above all, I wish to acknowledge our patients, the older people and families we serve. Their resilience, lived experience, and trust continue to guide and motivate my work every day.

This honour strengthens my commitment to advocating for high‑quality, equitable care for our ageing population, and to supporting the staff who deliver that care with such dedication. I am truly thankful.”

Also recognised is Ruth Sunderland (MA FRSA) whose awareness-raising and campaigning through the Mail on Sunday “War on Osteoporosis” campaign secured the UK Government commitment to roll-out Fracture Liaison Services to all areas of England by 2030. Ruth’s contribution has also involved tackling misinformation about osteoporosis medications, challenging stubborn stereotypes about the condition, and fundraising for the charity.

Reflecting on her recognition, Ruth Sunderland said:

“I am overwhelmed by this honour. I was in tears of surprise and delight when I received the letter. It will spur me on to continue doing my utmost on behalf of the millions of people living with osteoporosis. I want everyone, in every city, town and village in this country to have access to early diagnosis, which can spare people from preventable fractures that ruin lives.

As well as the human toll, osteoporosis costs the NHS many millions of pounds treating broken bones, much of which could be saved if we screened people at their first fracture or before. That's why I want to see universal Fracture Liaison Services available to everyone across the UK, no atter where you live.”

Craig Jones, Chief Executive of the Royal Osteoporosis Society, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to see Inderpal Singh and Ruth Sunderland recognised in this way.

Both Inder and Ruth have been a driving force behind recent progress in osteoporosis care, working tirelessly with our staff to ensure that people affected by this condition are seen, heard and supported. Their leadership, passion and determination have helped move us closer to a future where everyone, no matter where they live, can access the diagnosis, treatment and support they need.”