Royal Osteoporosis Society responds to Lord Crisp’s statement on investing in nurses
Royal Osteoporosis Society
The Royal Osteoporosis Society has responded to Lord Crisp's opinion article on nursing and midwifery.
Osteoporosis, the fragile bone disease, can be considered as a long-term condition, often first identified at the point of an acute fragility fracture. Many fragility fractures could be prevented by timely interventions to reduce fracture risk. A Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) systematically identifies, treats and refers to appropriate services all eligible patients aged over 50 within a local population who have suffered a fragility fracture, with the aim of reducing their risk of subsequent fractures.
“The FLS model, as recommended by Public Health England, is an evidence-based, cost-effective, preventative intervention that can help to improve the health of the population and reduce health and care service demand,” explains Alison Doyle, Head of Operations and Clinical Practice at the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS). “Between 1998-2008, the Glasgow FLS saw hip fracture numbers in Glasgow reduced by 7.3% versus an almost 17% increase in England. Using a validated model, the ROS estimates that an FLS covering an average England CCG population could prevent more than 250 fractures occurring and save £2m over five years.”
The ROS has produced a suite of evidence-based resources and templates to support FLS development and improvement. A comprehensive FLS Implementation Toolkit supports providers and payers in the commissioning and service improvement process. The ROS also provides a specialist team with clinical and commissioning experience to work with sites to support new service development or quality improvement of existing services. If you are interested in developing an FLS in your hospital/health service, please contact us FLS@theros.org.uk
