A government pledge to establish 59 new brittle bone clinics by 2030 will likely take 38 years to fulfill at the current rate, according to analysis by campaigners. This projected delay of 34 years beyond the promised deadline could result in an estimated 40,000 additional preventable deaths.
Osteoporosis affects over 3.5 million people in the UK, with women disproportionately impacted. Many individuals are unaware they have the condition until they suffer a bone fracture. Charities advocate for increased early detection centers, arguing they could save the NHS millions and preserve thousands of lives.
The Royal Osteoporosis Society estimates that 2,500 people die annually from the consequences of preventable hip fractures. Following a campaign by The Mail on Sunday and the Royal Osteoporosis Society, then Health Secretary Wes Streeting committed to ending geographical disparities in care and implementing a universal Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) by 2030.
Health Minister Baroness Merron recently stated in the House of Lords that the establishment of FLS in 23 out of 25 Integrated Care Board (ICB) areas indicates progress. However, the Royal Osteoporosis Society notes that 97 percent of these services pre-dated the current government's initiative. Data indicates a net increase of only two FLS clinics since the current government took office.
Baroness Altmann criticized the figures, describing them as "smoke and mirrors." She argued that redefining NHS boundaries and claiming credit for existing services does not equate to genuine patient access. She stated that a single hospital-based service cannot adequately serve an entire NHS region of millions, emphasizing the need for actual treatment, follow-up, and transparency rather than "creative accounting."