Rising Hip Fractures to Double Without Government Action, Costing £4bn Taxpayers

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Rising Threat of Hip Fractures and the Need for Action

The number of people facing life-threatening hip fractures is expected to double by 2060, reaching 140,000 cases annually if no action is taken. This alarming projection comes from a recent report that highlights the urgent need for government intervention. The analysis, conducted by the Royal College of Physicians, suggests that delays in implementing osteoporosis screening clinics—known as fracture liaison services (FLSs)—could result in a financial burden of £3.8 billion on taxpayers due to increased treatment costs.

In 2023, the Mail on Sunday initiated a campaign to expand FLS services across all regions of England. This effort was supported by the Royal Osteoporosis Society, which estimates that approximately 2,500 individuals die each year from preventable hip fractures. The FLS program aims to identify bone fractures earlier through the use of DEXA scans, which are bone density tests. When signs of osteoporosis are detected, patients can receive bone-preserving medications sooner, significantly reducing the likelihood of future fractures.

Osteoporosis affects an estimated 3.5 million people in the United Kingdom, with one in two women over the age of 50 at risk of breaking a bone due to this condition. According to the Royal College of Physicians' report, the number of hip fractures is projected to double over the next 35 years, driven largely by an aging population.

Research indicates that half of those who suffer from hip fractures have previously experienced a break caused by osteoporosis. Charities argue that full coverage of FLS services across the UK could prevent these incidents.

In June 2024, ahead of the General Election, Wes Streeting, the current Health Secretary, told The Mail on Sunday that commissioning a “rollout plan” for FLS would be one of his first actions after taking office. Last month, during the Labour Party conference, he reiterated the importance of ensuring a consistent rollout of Fracture Liaison Services.

Craig Jones, the chief executive of the Royal Osteoporosis Society, stated: “Wes Streeting has offered to work with us to develop a plan for the rollout. We dearly want to take him up on that offer.”

A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care mentioned: “We’re ensuring people with bone conditions get diagnosed earlier through our investment in DEXA scanners, which will provide an extra 29,000 scans every year.”

Key Questions Surrounding Osteoporosis Care

  • Could the NHS prevent deadly hip fractures with a £1-a-week solution? Explore the potential impact of slow osteoporosis screening.
  • Will the Government’s delay in fracture services lead to preventable deaths from osteoporosis complications?
  • Will Health Secretary Wes Streeting honor his promise and revolutionize osteoporosis care across the NHS?
  • Could Wes Streeting's bold promise to fund osteoporosis screening clinics slash NHS waiting lists by delivering 7,000 extra surgeries?
  • Can cross-party pressure force the Government to finally act on life-saving osteoporosis screening clinics?

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