Full text of letter from 100 clinicians and healthcare professionals to the Health Secretary

Dear Mr Streeting,  

As clinicians working in the field of osteoporosis, we welcome the inclusion in the Ten Year Plan of the commitment to rolling out Fracture Liaison Services (FLS).  We’re writing today to stress how crucial a speedy implementation plan is for our patients, as well as the harm that would be caused by delay. 

Late diagnosis of osteoporosis leads to avoidable fractures, loss of independence, long-term disability and, in many cases, premature death. 

A properly functioning FLS catches patients after their first fracture, enabling early diagnosis and access to proven, cost-effective treatments. They’re a classic example of driving the shift from sickness to prevention. 

However, the current postcode lottery for FLS provision means tens of thousands are slipping through the net.  Each year that this remains unaddressed, an estimated 2,500 more people die following hip fractures that could have been prevented. 

Half of people who suffer a hip fracture had a previous fracture which should have triggered assessment and intervention. 

That’s why any delay in implementation of this important policy will cost lives.  

We look forward to seeing the Government’s plan for implementation, and working with Ministers to get these services set up quickly, so our patients finally get the care they so badly need.  

Yours sincerely,