The Newshound

Ending the NHS 'postcode lottery' in bone clinics could prevent 48,568 fractures and save £600m, experts warn

Universal access to Fracture Liaison Services could prevent 48,568 fractures and free up 338,579 acute hospital bed days over five years, saving the NHS £600m by 2031.
Universal access to Fracture Liaison Services could prevent 48,568 fractures and free up 338,579 acute hospital bed days over five years, saving the NHS £600m by 2031.

The Royal Osteoporosis Society warns that three million people in England living with osteoporosis face a postcode lottery, with some areas providing specialist Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) while others leave patients undiagnosed until they suffer a break. The society's new analysis finds that every £1 invested in FLS generates £2.61 for the NHS and social care, and calculates that universal FLS access could free up more than 338,579 acute hospital bed days across five years.

Hip fractures represent the most serious outcome, frequently forcing patients into permanent residential care with little warning.

The government has acknowledged the findings, though the society argues that the Prime Minister's social care ambitions rely on precisely these kinds of NHS savings.

Ruth Wakeman of the Royal Osteoporosis Society says the £600m saving by 2031 is 'one staring us in the face.'

MoreLBCEnd postcode lottery of early osteoporosis clinics to prevent thousands of fractures, experts warnThe IndependentExperts explain how thousands of fractures a year could be prevented for sufferers of common bone conditionYorkshire LiveGovernment responds as Royal Osteoporosis Society says fractures 'prevented' if change made
Read today's full feed at The Newshound →