Altnagelvin Hospital to open new Fracture Liaison Service

The Western Health and Social Services Trust has launched a new Fracture Liaison Service at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry to address the growing problem of fractures, caused by osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis accounts for over 1,200 treatments for fractures each year in the Western Trust area. It causes a weakening in the bones, making them fragile and making them more likely to break.

It effects one in three women and one in 12 men aged over 50.

It often goes unnoticed until an elderly person falls and sustains a fracture.

The new Fracture Liaison Service works by identifying people over 50 who have been treated for a fracture at the hospital.

Those affected will be invited to undergo a 'Bone Mineral Density' scan to try and identify whether or not osteoporosis is present.

If the scan confirms the presence of osteoporosis, the patient will be given relevant lifestyle advice on how to manage with the condition and treatment will be discussed if necessary.

Geraldine McKay, director of Acute Services said, with an aging population, it was vital to raise awareness about issues such as bone health and osteoporosis.

She continued, “Fracture Liaison Services are a proven, cost effective way of reducing the impact of osteoporosis and fractures through identifying people with fractures caused by low trauma injuries.

“I am convinced this new service will bring benefits to the local population whilst reducing the pressures on the hospital.”