Osteoporosis Manifesto Calls for Improved Services for the 150,000 at Risk of Painful Fractures in Wales.A new manifesto has been launched that outlines steps to eradicate unnecessary broken bones and save the NHS hundreds of millions of pounds currently spent on fracture care.
The National Osteoporosis Society published detailed actions that politicians and policymakers in Wales can take to stop people with osteoporosis breaking bones again and again.
Local Labour Assembly Member, Joyce Watson, joined Mrs Debbie Stone, an Osteoporosis Nurse from Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth, and members of the National Osteoporosis Society at the National Assembly for Wales Senedd Building for the launch of the Manifesto (19 May).
Joyce said, “Osteoporosis causes fragile bones, which can lead to agonising and disabling fractures. It is a long-term condition which is currently putting 150,000 people in Wales at risk of painful fractures, which are costly to treat.
“The Osteoporosis Manifesto identifies five areas where improvements are needed: the management of falls, fragility fractures and osteoporosis; clinical guidance; the assessment of clinical performance; primary care services and public awareness and education.”
Chair of the Osteoporosis Society, Professor David Reid, added, “With budgets pushed to breaking point, focussing on these five key areas would help to save time and money.
”This isn’t an empty call to action; we know that these measures work. They can improve quality of life, restore independence and help to save thousands of lives each year.”
The National Osteoporosis Society is the only UK wide charity dedicated to improving the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis. In the UK, one in two women and one in five men over the age of 50 will break a bone, mainly because of osteoporosis.1,150 people are dying every month in the UK as a result of hip fractures.
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