MP visits pioneering fragile bones service

Strangford MP Mr Shannon recently attended a National Osteoporosis Society reception at Westminster and has pledged to raise in the House of Commons issues on behalf of local people affected by the debilitating condition.

The Fracture Liaison Service at Lagan Valley Hospital ensures people at risk of Osteoporosis are identified when they come into hospital with a fracture, sent for a scan and offered treatment to prevent them from suffering more broken bones.

Dr Rosemary Kelly, Consultant, Care of the Elderly said: “People with Osteoporosis often go undiagnosed for years, breaking bone after bone without being treated.

“Fragility fractures can have a huge impact on their lives, causing long-term pain, reducing mobility and making people feel more isolated.

“Fracture Liaison Services are vital for preventing these fractures and saving the Health Service money.”

Mr Shannon, who is also the Shadow DUP spokesperson on Health, was given a presentation on the Fracture Liaison Service and then toured the unit, meeting doctors and nurses.

He said: “It was fantastic to visit the Lagan Valley Fracture Liaison Service and see at first hand the brilliant work they are doing to help the people affected by Osteoporosis. I was extremely impressed by the service.”

Dr Kelly thanked the National Osteoporosis Society for organising the visit. The Charity is working with the Health Service to develop top quality services across Northern Ireland.

It is estimated that in excess of £10 million could be saved across Northern Ireland if everywhere had fully resourced FLS. Osteoporosis literally means ‘porous bones’ and is often referred to as the fragile bone disease.

It is a condition in which bones lose their strength and are more likely to break, usually following a minor bump or fall.For further information about osteoporosis visit the website www.nos.org.uk.