£3 million boost to osteoporosis services

The funding is intended to boost the number of DXA scans being carried out across the country. Research had identified a shortfall in osteoporosis scanning services throughout England and Wales, despite a £20 million NHS pledge to improve osteoporosis scanning provision. DXA scans are the gold standard in diagnosing osteoporosis.

In August 2007, the National Osteoporosis Society invited bids from Strategic Health Authorities, Primary Care Trusts and Local Health Boards in England and Wales. By the time applications closed in October, the charity had received an overwhelming response of almost ninety bids requesting nearly £21 million.

Claire Severgnini, chief executive of the National Osteoporosis Society said: “The response from NHS Trusts was overwhelming and clearly demonstrated both the extent of the gaps in the existing service and the commitment of the clinicians and managers to radically improve services.”