Written question asked by Charlotte Atkins (Labour) on Thursday, 13 October 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 31 October 2005. It was answered by Liam Byrne (Labour) on Monday, 9 January 2006 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Osteoporosis

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps her Department is taking to reduce the numbers of fractures due to osteoporosis in (a) women who have had previous fractures and (b) women with no previous fractures.

Answer: [holding answer 31 October 2005]: Osteoporosis can often be prevented by a healthy lifestyle including exercise and a balanced diet and, in people at particular risk, by drug therapy. Cases of established osteoporosis can be treated both to prevent further fractures and to improve an individual's quality of life. All treatment of osteoporosis can be regarded as secondary prevention. Much of this can be managed in primary care, even in cases of advanced disease.The national service framework (NSF) for older people published in March 2001 required integrated falls services to be in place locally by April 2005. The NSF also provided a detailed description of what an integrated falls service should look like; the different elements and people required for integrated service planning and provision. In addition to this, to increase capacity in osteoporosis services in Dexa scanning for bone density as a guide to treatment, the Department has made £20 million available for investment in Dexa scanning services and equipment to build capacity. In 2005–06, £3 million has been allocated from a centrally held revenue budget for purchasing of additional scans, mainly from independent sector providers, in strategic health authorities where there are the most pressing shortfalls. Capital provision of £17 million has been made available in 2006–07 and 2007–08 to improve national health service capacity through investment in new Dexa scanning equipment.

Secondary information