Osteoporosis commitment enshrined in 10 Year Plan, but now we need a speedy implementation plan

The UK Government has enshrined its commitment to people with osteoporosis in its 10-Year Health Plan for England.  This is the first time the commitment has appeared in a government policy document.

Pages 36 and 37 of the plan says “Neighbourhood Health Centres could host a variety of services, such as fracture liaison services, supporting the government’s commitment to national roll out by 2030.”

The Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) is now calling on Ministers to publish a speedy Implementation Plan, so we can finally end the postcode lottery for diagnostic services in the NHS and close the eye-watering treatment gap faced by people with osteoporosis.

This step forward is a reflection of the tireless campaigning of ROS members and volunteers.  With one final push for the Implementation Plan, we can ensure that people with the condition finally receive the care they need – and, with that, get their lives and futures back.

ROS Chief Executive Craig Jones said:

“The 10-Year Plan is packed with valuable prevention initiatives and we’re very pleased that Fracture Liaison Service is one of them. We thank Wes Streeting and his team. Now it’s crucial that we see an implementation plan as soon as possible. Delay costs lives, with 2,500 preventable deaths every year from broken hips. We look forward to working with Ministers so we can change and save the maximum number of lives.”