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The ROS demands #FairnessOnFractures

Head office

04 Jul 2022

This week, the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) is launching a campaign demanding #FairnessOnFractures for all.

Osteoporosis affects 3.5 million people across the UK and the first sign is often a fracture (broken bone). Known as the ‘silent disease’ osteoporosis causes over half a million broken bones each year — one every minute — and it is estimated that fractures will affect one in two women and one in five men after the age of 50.

The key to a prompt and timely diagnosis of osteoporosis is a Fracture Liaison Service (FLS), the gold standard for identifying, assessing and treating the condition in people over the age of 50 with a fracture. An FLS can reduce the risk of re-fracture by between 30-40% by providing improved access to DXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) scanning, which measures bone density, and support around drug treatments.

Despite this, an Inquiry carried out last year by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Osteoporosis and Bone Health, revealed that only half (51%) of NHS trusts in England and Wales have an FLS. Gaps in access to FLS and differences in quality mean that 90,000 people are missing out on vital osteoporosis treatment and at risk of further fractures simply because of their postcode.

To tackle this postcode lottery for access to Fracture Liaison Services (FLS), the ROS is asking members of the public to write to their MP or other elected official, and request a virtual meeting to discuss the challenges for access to FLS. Together, through this virtual lobby of Parliament, the ROS hopes to demand #FairnessOnFractures for all.

How can you get involved?

MPs and other elected officials take notice when they hear directly from the people in their area, so as constituents we have an important role to play. We’re asking you to write to your MP or other elected official requesting they arrange a virtual meeting.

We’ve put together everything you need to join our virtual mass lobby and help us end the postcode lottery for osteoporosis treatment and care here

Help our specialist nurses continue to support those in need


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