Leading Assembly Member Shows Support For Improving Osteoporosis And Fracture Services In Wales.

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 22nd May 2009

Osteoporosis Manifesto Calls for Improved Services for the 150,000 at Risk of Painful Fractures in Wales.

A new manifesto has been launched this week 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 must take to stop people with osteoporosis breaking bones again and again.

"Painful and debilitating fractures are not an inevitable result of osteoporosis, yet most healthcare services do little to prevent them," said Claire Severgnini, Chief Executive of the National Osteoporosis Society. "Thousands of needless fractures are being allowed to occur each year until this major public health problem and health inequality is tackled. Our manifesto highlights the key challenges that must be met to provide the appropriate diagnosis, care and treatments that people with osteoporosis deserve."

Michael German, Liberal Democrat Assembly member for South East Wales supports the Osteoporosis Manifesto which was presented to AMs and officials at the National Assembly for Wales Senedd Building.

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.

"Much can be done to prevent these fractures but services are scarce," said Professor David Reid, Chair of the National Osteoporosis Society. "Fracture rates can be halved by the timely identification of osteoporosis and the consequent prescription of treatment to increase bone strength. This Manifesto provides simple guidance to significantly reduce the impact of osteoporosis and fractures."

The Osteoporosis Manifesto identifies five areas where vast 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.

"With budgets pushed to breaking point, focussing on these five key areas would help to save time and money," added Professor Reid. "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."

Robert Rees from Mid Glamorgan has broken several bones due to osteoporosis and welcomes the call to action: "I've had many broken bones that could have been prevented if these procedures were put into place. This new osteoporosis manifesto for Wales will help thousands of people avoid the fractures and pain that I have had to endure."

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.