The UK government is facing criticism for its failure to establish nationwide osteoporosis screening clinics in England, especially after it was revealed that NHS Wales has already implemented such services with relatively little investment. The Mail on Sunday and the Royal Osteoporosis Society have been campaigning since 2024 for universal access to these clinics across the UK to help prevent debilitating fractures associated with osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis, the advanced stage of osteopenia, primarily affects women and often goes undetected until serious injuries occur, underscoring the importance of screening, according to experts. When the "War On Osteoporosis" campaign began, screening was available in all NHS hospitals in Scotland and Northern Ireland, but not in England and Wales.
Prior to the 2024 General Election, the government pledged to fund full access to osteoporosis screening nationwide. However, no action has been taken since. Currently, Wales is the only home nation with these clinics in all its hospitals, leaving England without comprehensive access.
Dr. Inderpal Singh, a geriatrician and NHS Wales lead for bone health, established the Welsh clinics. The service was launched with just over £1 million in funding and 24 new staff members. Since their implementation, osteoporosis diagnoses in Wales have increased by 191 percent.
The Royal Osteoporosis Society stated that Wales's success demonstrates the government's potential to quickly and affordably implement similar clinics across England. "Dr. Singh and his colleagues have shown what can be achieved when a government backs its promises with action," said Ruth Wakeman, director of services at the Royal Osteoporosis Society. "In Wales, a relatively small investment in fracture liaison services has helped drive a 191 per cent increase in the number of patients identified through these services. Over the same period, England has seen an increase of 3 per cent, with progress effectively flatlining. Fracture liaison services are one of the smartest investments the NHS can make." She added that these services prevent life-changing fractures, help maintain independence, reduce hospital and social care pressures, and typically become cost-neutral within 18 to 24 months.
The Royal Osteoporosis Society estimates that approximately 2,500 people in Britain die annually from the effects of preventable hip fractures. Following the campaign by The Mail on Sunday and the Royal Osteoporosis Society, then shadow health secretary Wes Streeting had committed to ending the postcode lottery by establishing a universal fracture liaison service by 2030. However, the government has yet to release a plan for funding and building these clinics.
Dr. Singh developed a computer program to identify patients in Welsh hospitals who have suffered a fracture and refer them to a fracture liaison clinic. This system does not rely on individual clinicians to make referrals. Patients then undergo a bone-density test, known as a DEXA scan.
The Royal Osteoporosis Society urged the new Health Secretary, Yvette Cooper, to draw inspiration from Dr. Singh's work. "Yvette Cooper has inherited an important commitment that could transform care for millions of people, particularly women, who are disproportionately affected by osteoporosis," Ms. Wakeman stated. "Wales has shown what is possible with clear leadership, a practical plan and relatively little investment. We look forward to working with her as the new Health Secretary to bring the same pace and purpose to England."
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care commented, "We remain committed to rolling out fracture liaison services by 2030, as set out in our 10 Year Health Plan. We're also taking action in the meantime by investing in 20 new state-of-the-art DEXA scanners across the country, building on the first wave of 13 last year."