NHS: Fracture Liaison Services

Lord Bishop of Bristol Excerpts

Monday 5th February 2024 Lords Chamber

[Lord Markham (Con)]

I think that the statement made previously has been corrected on this, but, as I mentioned, we accept that these services are very effective in what they do. That is why we have musculoskeletal as part of the major conditions strategy. It was something that we put £400 million behind last year, in terms of a workforce package. We are looking at the effectiveness of FLS and, in ICBs that are not doing it, whether there is a case to expand them further.

[The Lord Bishop of Bristol]

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord, Lord Black, for his dedicated work in bringing this important topic to the attention of the House. Around this time a year ago, the noble Lord asked another Question on the early detection of osteoporosis, which is the leading cause of fractures in those aged over 50, particularly women. In his answer, the Minister, who is answering the Question again today, noted that

“a fractured femur is the second biggest reason for intake into hospitals, in terms of beds”—[Official Report, 19/1/23; col. 1926]

and that he would be happy to report on progress on this to the House. Will he tell us whether any progress has been made since he gave that answer one year ago?

[Lord Markham (Con)]

Yes. Again, I did more research into this and, similar to the point just made, for women over 45 more hospital days are spent with osteoporosis than with conditions such as diabetes, heart problems or breast cancer, so it is recognised that FLS have a very strong part to play. We are trying to pursue a prevention agenda; there is a good cost-benefit argument around it, so we are making a strong case for their expansion.