By Fatma Younis
New analysis from the Royal Osteoporosis Society shows that guaranteeing equal access to Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) across England could prevent 48,568 fractures over five years, including more than 15,062 hip fractures, and save health and social care providers more than £600 million by 2031.
Geographic disparities in care
An estimated three million people in England have osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and makes them more likely to break. The disease develops slowly and is often only diagnosed after a fracture, commonly of the hip, wrist, or spine. Patients currently face a "postcode lottery" when seeking access to specialised FLS clinics, which provide early diagnosis and treatment to prevent future breaks.
The society calculates that for every £1 spent on FLS, £2.61 is saved by the NHS and social care services. Universal access would also free up 338,579 acute hospital bed days over five years, easing pressure on both health and social care systems.
Experts urge government action
"A broken hip can turn someone's life upside down overnight, leaving them needing carers at home or even permanent residential care," said Ruth Wakeman, director of services, influencing and innovation at the Royal Osteoporosis Society. She noted the Prime Minister's aim to transform social care and called on Health Secretary Yvette Cooper to fulfil the government's 2030 pledge to make fracture prevention services available to everyone.
Professor Martin Green, chief executive of Care England, said preventing avoidable fractures should be an obvious starting point for building a sustainable social care system. Nadra Ahmed, executive co-chairman at the National Care Association, added that better osteoporosis care could help thousands of older people remain independent for longer in settings of their own choice.
The Department of Health and Social Care has been approached for comment.
