Delays in the implementation of osteoporosis screenings within the NHS are putting hundreds of thousands of post-menopausal women at risk of serious bone fractures, experts have cautioned. The Royal Osteoporosis Society has highlighted a failure by the government to fulfill its commitment to expanding the screening program, resulting in stagnant diagnosis rates and an estimated 200,000 individuals per year going undiagnosed. Osteoporosis affects half of women over 50 and one in five men, making it the fourth leading cause of disability and premature death in the UK.
According to the Society, the absence of a comprehensive Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) across all NHS trusts is concerning, as only half of the trusts currently offer this service. The FLS aims to identify at-risk patients during hospital admissions and provide them with bone-strengthening medications and physiotherapy sessions to prevent fractures. Former health secretary Wes Streeting pledged to prioritize the expansion of FLS services if Labour were to assume power in 2024.
Recent data from the national Fracture Liaison Service audit indicates that FLS identified 79,553 patients in England in 2025, a slight increase from 77,136 in 2024. However, the Society insists that these services should be reaching around 264,000 patients annually. Craig Jones, CEO of the Royal Osteoporosis Society, expressed disappointment in the slow progress, urging government transparency and swift action to fulfill its promise of nationwide FLS clinics.
During menopause, the decline in estrogen levels, a hormone crucial for bone density maintenance, leads to decreased bone strength and density, potentially resulting in osteoporosis. It is estimated that approximately 3.5 million people in the UK have this condition, which often remains undetected until a fracture occurs, typically in the hip, wrist, or spine.
Craig Jones emphasized the urgent need for action, stating that the current pace suggests the pledge may not be realized until 2064, calling for immediate intervention to save lives. He urged Health Secretary James Murray to present an implementation plan before the parliamentary recess to ensure timely access to life-saving care for English residents, similar to that available in Wales.
In response, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding fracture liaison services by 2030, in alignment with the 10-Year Health Plan and the Women’s Health Strategy. Additionally, investments in 20 advanced DEXA scanners across the country have been made to aid in early diagnosis of fragile bones, particularly benefiting older individuals and women who are disproportionately affected by osteoporosis.